China

Within China, Crossroads is involved in a variety of works. The following examples typify the requests we regularly receive.

Orphanages

In 1995, an orphanage director from Guangdong visited our warehouse and, at the sight of the goods available, literally wept tears of relief. "I thought my task seemed beyond me, but, now that I have seen what is available here, I feel as if it is possible to go on."

Today, that orphanage is up and running and she has asked our assistance in opening another. "The kids really blossom here," repeated a team member who travelled to the 'Oasis House'.

Rehabilitation centres

Torrential floods devastated parts of Hubei in 1997 and, in their wake, the region still struggles. Schools initially held classes in tents and, though back in buildings now, continue to request help. Crossroads is working with ABN-AMRO Bank on a consignment of educational material.

When students face economic deprivation, it is hard to break out of the poverty cycle. One creative support programme in north-western China, provides a café environment to enable students to practise their conversational English, improving their fluency. The goal of the project is to help economically deprived students enhance their employability. Crossroads has supplied the café with furniture, coffee machines, decorative items and tableware.

Hospitals

Crossroads was delighted to assist in providing equipment for the Children's Medical Centre in Shenyang. This hospital will offer free corrective surgery to orphans and economically deprived children.

A new Guangdong medical facility will offer progressive help to people with both chronic and acute conditions. "We have the building, but not the operating theatre equipment," the director told us. Crossroads is working with international groups to help supply the equipment.