Week 18
on Tina's Journal (China), 28/Jun/2009 09:47, 34 days ago
I returned to Simao and met with torrential rain. Rainy season is here! I was pleased to feel the difference in temperature from Beijing, a good 10C degrees less here in Simao, however, I was soon feeling the humidity and felt hot and sticker than I did in Beijing, despite the 40C degrees I encountered there. It is nice to be back and I felt like I was sort of coming home. The week was really interesting in Beijing and it was nice to get to know the people in the VSO office a little better including the Programme Manager for Education who I report to. I also got an insight into VSO work in both Cambodia and Mongolia as two Programme Mangers from those countries were part of this week's training course. I also got a chance to speak to a member of VSO  International who is in China for 3 months to review how VSO may work differently in countries like China: middle-income countries that are developing fast and who want to be a development actor on the global stage. It was a good opportunity to express my feelings about why I feel volunteers are still needed in China, despite the increase in wealth there is still a large part of China that needs guidance, especially from what I have seen in the Education System in the area of free thinking and free will. I know that I am an idealist and would like to focus on these aspects and will continue to do so whilst I am here. However, I know that money determines most things in life including how long and in what capacity VSO will continue to work in China. I was pleased to hear though that VSO is looking at possibly recruiting Chinese Nationals as  International Volunteers which ultimately will help in China's development process because of the experience and knowledge these people will bring back into China. They already do this in countries like The Philippines, Kenya, India and others. It was interesting to feel like I was part of VSO again because even though I represent the organisation here in Simao I sometimes'forget' because I am working directly with the college and Education Bureaus. But my reasons for volunteering with VSO are based on their principles of development and their vision of  A world without poverty in which people work together to fulfil their potential. The college campus is feeling a little quieter. The grade 3 students all left last weekend which I hear was very emotional. I'm glad I missed the goodbyes. Lessons have completely dwindled as exams are now in progress and the term officially ends in 2 weeks. I have work to do but I'll have a few weeks of holiday so I am in the process of planning what I am going to do. There's definitely lots to see in China.The photos: Working in the VSO office, Beijing and South Gate exit of Ritan park, Beijing.