Bridging the Gap: Project Pengyou promotes social networking amongst American-based China alumni

Beijing-based social entrepreneur Holly Chang has been working to promote cultural, educational and social exchanges between China and the world with her NGO Golden Bridges since coming to China over five years ago. Her latest initiative is Project Pengyou, a social network platform designed to bring together American alumni of China-based study abroad programs as part of the US State Department backed “100,000 Strong Initiative” that aims to increase the number of American students studying abroad in China (Disclosure: True Run Media Editorial Director Jerry Chan sits on Project Pengyou’s Board of Advisors). Agenda recently interviewed Holly about her background, the program and its prospects.

Sweet Conservation: JW Marriott’s Robert Fabiano

Conservation from the bottom-up

In May 2010, Marriott International launched the Nobility of Nature ini­tiative, which aims to preserve water sources in China. With 40 operating hotels in China and more than 20,000 associates, Marriot International sees its future in China, including its envi­ronmental health. Agenda met with Robert Fabiano, the General Manager of the JW Marriot Beijing, to learn how they plan on doing this.

One Day, Two Libraries – A Thousand Opportunities!

Lbrary Project Founder Tom Stader. All photos courtesy of Charles Saliba.

Last weekend the Columbia Community Outreach held an event sponsoring The Library Project, whose aim was to raise enough money to build a new library in rural Hebei province, and to raise money for the relief efforts in Japan through a raffle. Library Project founder Tom Stader The results were amazing, and thanks to the enthusiastic and generous out pour of the Beijing community the event raised enough money to build one whole library, additional funds for another and through their raffle they were able to donate half the funds to the Japanese relief efforts. It just goes to show that when lots of people pitch in with a big heart and small contributions, it’s possible to make a big change! Sponsors of the raffle included the ICVS (read an interview with Mary Peng about their work here), DNA Training and Studio amongst others, and Agenda is proud to have provided a media sponsorship for this event.

Organic Resources in Beijing

Organic eggs are just one of the many healthy choices available!

In the last few years, the organic move­ment has taken Beijing by storm, with an array of businesses that provide con­venient, affordable organic alternatives to the food and products found in the majority of the city’s stores. With this list, we offer a comprehensive selection of markets and delivery services that allow you to tap into the organic lifestyle.

Keeping China’s Rural Children Home: Children of Madaifu’s Charlotte Cailliez

Cailliez keeps children safe at home

Children of Madaifu has been helping China’s street children find their place in society for the past ten years, and their “orphanages without walls” project has had an immense impact on these children’s lives. Agenda met up with chairwoman Charlotte Cailliez at a recent Beijing Foodies event to learn more about the organization’s efforts to keep children off the streets.

Help bring the world to China’s poorest Children

Kids are hungry for books, and you for pizza! Join us on Sunday!

This weekend, Agenda is proud to sponsor the Reading is Fundamental brunch in support of The Library Project. The Library Project has put books into the hands of more than 100,000 rural children, and has significantly increasing their level of education and their hope for the future. We sincerely hope that you can join us at this fabulous fundraiser this Sunday from 11-2pm. With your help, we’ll be able to support the building of one new library in Hebei province, and raise some money for the people recovering from the Japanese Red Cross as well! Details are below, and I hope to see you there! Tickets are still available, and you can pick them up at the door. Please remember that if you RSVP, they will be charged for your seat, so please show up!

Reading is Fundamental Fundraiser Brunch: Sunday April 17 from 11am-2pm

Join forces with the Columbia University Alumni Association to bring libraries to rural China. The goal of this family-friendly fundraiser is to raise RMB 10,000 for the Library Project, enough to build of library in Hebei Province. Part of the funds raised will also benefit the Japanese Red Cross. Tickets are RMB 200 for adults, RMB 100 for kids under ten, and include pizza, beverages, and entrance into the raffle. RSVP by April 11 to dhp9@columbia.edu with your name, mobile number and amount of tickets required, or call to buy tickets at the following locations: Chaoyang/NE Beijing: ICVS (8456 1940/41), CBD/Dawang Lu: Sophia (6583 2581), CBD Ritan Park: David (please SMS 134 0112 8662), Sanyuanqiao: Anthony (please call in evening 138 1044 9670), Haidian: Anthony (138 1044 9670) or Charles (139 1009 2631). Sponsored by Agenda. Kro’s Nest, 35 Xiaoyun Road (opposite Renaissance Beijing Chaoyang Hotel) (8391 3131) www.library-project.org 鸟巢, 朝阳区霄云路 35号（国航大厦万丽酒店对面，口福居旁）

The Library Project’s Tom Stader Brings Literacy to China’s Countryside

Tom Stader opens doors for rural children, one book at a time

The children who grow up in China’s rural communities may never be able to see the rest of the world, but Tom Stader of The Library Project knows that exposure to books can make a world of difference to them. This is why he founded The Library Project in 2006. In the past five years, they have established more than 350 libraries in rural areas, providing more than 100,000 young minds with access to educational material. Agenda caught up with Stader in anticipation of their April 17^th fundraiser to learn more about his organization, and how others can help improve the livelihoods of China’s poorest children.