My Trip to the Countryside with a Nobel Laureate
From December 17-18, 2014, I went on a trip to Lukou County, Jiangsu, China with Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. After Professor Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, he was invited to China and met with the national leaders.
Professor Yunus is over 70 years old, but is still working hard to alleviate poverty. This is his first trip to the countryside in China. He is nice to everyone, and especially friendly to the children. As the youngest guest, I had his extra attention and care.
We witnessed Grameen China’s microfinance project, attended the new book launch ceremony for “Yunus in China,” visited the families of borrowers, and toured the chicken farm and pancake workshop. People asked Professor Yunus to taste the pancake, and he shared it with me. It’s yummy!
I also attended the forum and media session on"Discussing Inclusive Finance with Professor Yunus." Although I could not understand all of the questions or discussions, I was deeply impressed by everyone's efforts to help the poor. I will always remember this moment.
I introduced our own NGO "SUN" to Professor Yunus. Seeds Uniting for Nature (SUN) was founded in 2004 by a group of passionate youths who aspire to build a better world. We strive to establish a flexible and easy volunteering platform for youth, where they can create and participate in various volunteering activities. The name "Seeds Uniting for Nature" comes from our belief that every youth is like a seed, and every seed will grow into a tree.
Professor Yunus was impressed by our initiative, and gave me a lot of encouragement to develop SUN. He also gave special blessing for SUN by writing: "For SUN, Have a great life!”
Many invited guests and reporters praised my confidence and fluent communication with Professor Yunus. They all asked me where I learned English. I proudly told them that I studied at YK Pao School in Shanghai, and I love my school very much. The whole person education at YKPS nurtures my love of learning, creativity, and a concern for our community, and its bilingual education not only helps us to develop a global perspective, but also allows me to communicate fluently in Chinese and English.
I will be entering Pao School's Secondary Division this fall, and I look forward to a fantastic boarding life. I will continue my efforts to develop SUN with other volunteers. In 1976, Professor Yunus lent his own 27 dollars to a woman in the village and started Grameen’s wonderful journey. Today’s SUN is similar to Grameen 40 years ago. With more and more continuing efforts, SUN will make a big difference and build a better future!
(From Helena,Y5A)
