Building bonds to last a lifetime

Chengdu journalist Chen Gang (right) led the way to an obscure classroom, where he found a new friend Luo Shijun.

When she learned "Uncle" Chen was coming to Pingwu county last September, Luo Shijun was so excited that she asked for a day off to call on him. Although it takes only 10 minutes to walk from where she works to his hotel, Luo took a rare taxi ride so she could give him a hug that much quicker.

Chen Gang is a local Chengdu newspaper reporter and one of the most important people in Luo's life, though they didn't know each other until they were linked four years ago by a program supported BMW's Warm Heart Fund.

In April 2009, Chen took part in the program for the first time as he visited a middle school in the countryside of Pingwu that was devastated the year before by the massive earthquake that hit Sichuan province.

Twelve months after the disaster, the school's classrooms and dormitories were temporary structures built on the playground beside the ruins of fallen buildings.

Students were excited to have volunteers arrived. But Chen noticed many of the aid helpers went to the same grade seven class, so he led volunteers to a second class where he met Luo for the first time as she sat at the front of the room.

"The volunteers organized many activities with the only purpose to make children happy," Chen recalled.

"When we were about to leave that evening, many children cried, although they knew we would come back the next morning," Chen said. "I had never seen this in other charity activities of the kind.

"I realized that for those children, companionship is much more important than money."

Luo asked for an autograph from Chen before he left.

"I will come back to see you again," the journalist wrote in her notebook.

And he kept his promise. He participated in nearly every visit under the program.

"Compared with simply donating money, it is actually more demanding to contribute your time and be a friend."

In August 2009, Chen planned to visit the homes of other students, but Luo sincerely invited him to visit her home too, and accompanied him all day long, for fear that he forgot her modest request.

When they finally made it to her home in the evening, Chen found that Luo's entire family was anticipating the visit. Her parents prepared a hearty dinner "more abundant than on New Year's Eve", he recalled.

"I was regarded the most respectable guest for the family," said Chen. "They made me feel I was so important, although I don't think I have done much.

"When I see the children unwilling to let us go after each visit, I feel happiness more than sorrow because I know they always care about me."

Participants in the program sign contracts committing to keep in touch with at least one child for a year, but actually most of the relationships continue until today.

"Something precious has made us lifetime friends," Chen said.

Luo quit high school last year after only one semester and started working in a local drink shop chain. The 17-year-old girl is now the manager of one of the shops.

Chen said he understands and is proud of her decision. In China's rural areas, many children do not make it to high school, especially in the remote, poverty-stricken areas.

"It is better to pay attention to those who choose to work, giving them proper guidance, than simply encouraging them to go to school," he said. "It is usually very difficult for us who live in the city to understand the situation they are facing in life."