Helping parents help their kids

Feng Xin (left), secretary-general of the Yang Ai Special Children's Parents' Club in Guangzhou, gives lessons to special children. Zou Zhongpin / China Daily
Twelve years since she joined an organization dedicated to helping parents of mentally challenged children, Feng Xin knows it like no one else the work that goes into running a quality non-governmental organization (NGO).

The Yang Ai Special Children's Parents' Club in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, which helps children with autism, cerebral palsy or Down's syndrome, and their parents, now caters to 1,091 families from across the country.

The NGO was named one of the eight model foundations and charities in 2009 by the Red Cross Society of China Jet Li One Foundation Project and granted 1 million yuan ($150,000) in support.

Feng, a native of Tianjin municipality, had worked as a teacher for two years before she joined Yang Ai in 1998 as a translator for a British couple, who founded the club in 1997. The club - with its maxim "Who takes care of those who care?" - was the only one catering to parents of special children.

Three weeks after she joined the club, Feng was made the administrative chief.

"They (the British couple) said I had a sparkle in my eyes," Feng recalled.

The modest Feng said she feels "lucky" that the club has been receiving a constant flow of donations over the years.

"I once told a parent that I'd quit when I manage to fulfill the annual budget of 1 million yuan for the club. Back then 1 million yuan sounded like an impossible dream. But the budget became 2 million yuan after 2005, and I am still here."

However, understanding the real mission of the club and gaining the professional knowledge to run such an organization has been a "painful process", she said.

"Till 2004, we just knew we were helping the parents. After that, we came to realize our identity as a non-governmental organization, which needs self-discipline, transparency and better promotion."

In 2006, when the central authorities issued a document to step up efforts to train cadres for social work, Feng's club started recruiting people with a master's degree in social work. She, too, had to take courses in social work.

The most difficult time for Feng was in 2007, when the club formed a new executive committee.

"We needed to report to the executive committee.

"Earlier, our conscience was our only driving force. We had big dreams, but sometimes failed to materialize them. We didn't know how far we could go. But with the committee, we had requirements and guidelines. We had to be clear what we are doing. It was more than just passion."

With a bigger staff and budget, came the need for better management in administration and finance, as well as more knowledge in special education and psychology, Feng said.

Last year, the club's executive committee introduced the concept of corporate management. Those who failed to meet the budget growth requirements set by the committee had to take home lesser salaries.

"We will work out a system that ensures reasonable pay increase for our staff for their devotion," Feng said.

The club's goal is to boost its budget to 6 million yuan next year or the year after, with significant credibility in the circle, and to become a leading organization of its kind in Guangzhou, Feng said.

Feng's work at the organization has not come without a price. Last year, she got divorced because her husband wasn't satisfied with the amount of time she was spending with him or their son.

"I don't feel guilty about the divorce. I hope one day my son will grow up and understand."

As her club has grown, Feng has found the time to take part in the formulation of related policies and government researches.

She is considering running for the post of a delegate to the local people's congress or a member of the local committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference to represent people in need.

Feng said she feels a sense of accomplishment when she meets with parents she has helped in the past.

"It feels good to hear from them that they are happy I'm still part of the club," Feng said.

"I love this job, and I know I will continue to love it forever," said Feng, who is about to turn 40.

"I wouldn't have understood the society so deeply, if I had chosen another way of life."

Source: China Daily