On a mission to aid poor girls of China

Mar 20 2008 By Sandra Walls

A STRATHAVEN Academy project that assists schoolgirls in China this week appealed for support.

The pupils have raised £1000 over the last two years and want to continue their effort.

They this year received a letter about two of the girls who have been helped: Deng Xi Miao and Lan Liang Yuan.

The letter said the money raised had made a “huge difference”, and paid their school fees for a year.

It continued “This has given them hope for the future and a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty and has paid for health care for Lan’s kidney problems. Her parents were in debt trying to pay for her life-saving treatment.”

The project is run by former Academy teacher Linda Greenshields and Liz McArthur, teacher in the religious and moral education dept.

Pupils are encouraged to organise activities for the Hope4China charity.

Linda’s husband, Iain, who is also involved in the project, said: “In total the project, including Strathaven Academy and Portree High School, Isle of Skye, sponsors about 100 girls, 50 in foster care and 50 in education. Deng and Lan are two girls who are being supported by Strathaven Academy in their education.

“The funding gives them a chance to have a life in a decent home, education, afford food, education fees, health and travelling expenses.”

Hope4China is a UK-based charity set up in response to needs Iain and Linda Greenshields identified when they adopted their daughter from Desheng SWI in Guangxi Province, China, in June 2004. Costs are £25 per year for each girl at primary school, £75 per year for each girl at junior school and £140 per year for each girl at high school.

Linda added: “We meet them each year in Nanning City, have a birthday party , a night in a hotel, banquet and day trip paid for with money raised by pupils in Strathaven Academy. Pupils also send them gifts, photos and are beginning to send letters and email.”

If you would like to sponsor a girl individually, through a school, class, or church group contact Linda at greenshields_linda@ya hoo.co.uk for a pack. Alternatively, e-mail: hope4china@msn.com or visit website: www.hope4china.com.

If anyone would like to write to the girls Deng or Lan, contact Iain and Linda Greenshields, 38 Garvock Hill, Dunfermline, KY12 7UU, or call (01383) 723955.