In memory of Soong Ching Ling (Madame Sun Yat-sen, 1893-1981) late Honorary President of the People's Republic of China, a non-governmental institution bearing her name was established on May 29, 1982, the Soong Ching Ling Foundation or briefly, the SCLF.
The Honorary President of the People's Republic of China, Mme. Soong Ching Ling was a world-famous patriot, democrat, and internationalist, a distinguished international statewoman and one of the outstanding state leaders of the People's Republic of China.
The aim of the Foundation is to carry forward the spirit of love for children and concern for their healthy growth in body and mind which she displayed during her life-time and to contribute to the cause of children's culture, education, scientific knowledge and welfare, and to help promote the unification of China, the safeguarding of world peace and friendship among nations.
The work of the Foundation, therefore, has had good effect in and outside China. At present, Foundations in memory of Soong Ching Ling have been set up in Japan, Canada, and U.S.A. These independent Foundations have maintained friendly relations with the SCLF. At home, in Shanghai, Chongqing and Xian where Soong Ching Ling engaged in more activities as well as in Wenchang County, Hainan province, the land of her ancestors, the branches of Soong Ching Ling Foundation were also established.
A relatively new institution with limited funds, the SCLF has adapted a policy of progressive advance doing what its capacity allows. It has embarked on number of undertakings during the past seven years, with help from enthusiastic supporters at home and abroad.
TOPThe Soong Ching Ling Children's Science and Technology Pavilion with a floor space of 1500 square meters, built in the Soong Ching Ling Children's Science Park, Beijing, was inaugurated on the International Children's Day of 1986.
Designed as a learning centre for children below and teenage in the areas of science and technology, the Pavilion, in addition to its instruments and facilities for demonstration, has proved to be an idea place for conducting such classes as a mini-computer training course for kindergarten and primary school children, a drawing class for pre-school children, a school children's English class, and an electronic organ training course for pre-school children. There is also a roller skating ring for children. The children love to come.
Since the inauguration of the Pavilion, 300,000 children had visited and taken part in various activities there, and about 5,000 children received different extra-curricular training.
TOPSoong Ching Ling Tianjin Bohai Children's World is a big centre of education and recreation, jointly launched by the SCLF and the Tianjin Women's Federation. It was completed and opened on June 1, 1988.
Facing the sea, the Soong Ching Ling Tianjin Bohai Children's World covers an area of 57,000 square meters. The construction is a unique expression of children's interest and feelings. In august 1989, a small summer camp participated by 100 children and organized by SCLF took place in the Soong Ching Ling Ti anjin Bohai Children's World.
TOPWith the enthusiastic support of veteran writers such as Ba Jin, Xie Bingxin, and help of Ministry of Broadcast, Film and Television, Ministry of Culture and the State Education Commission, the Soong Ching Ling Children's Literature Prize was established in June 1986 aiming at commending the writers who have made contribution to children's literature, thus to enhance and flourish the creation of children's literature in China.
The first issue of Soong Ching Ling Children's Literature Prize was taken place in 1988 to writers of 5 TV drama scripts for children. "The World that has been Found Back" by Chu Xue and Zhan Nan and the other four were awarded second and third prizes.
The second issue of Children's Literature Prize took place in January 1990. The prize was awarded to the popular science books and science fictions. "Magic Wings", "Nightmare", "Story of Panda" were awarded second prize, "The Wolf in Disguise", "Collection of Prize Winning Science Fictions by Xiao Jianheng", "Commander of Mathemati cs", " Li Siguang in his Youth", "Electrified Baby" were awarded third prize.
The Prize will be offered once in every two years. The third set of prizes scheduled to be announced in 1992 will be awarded in particular to children's novels.
TOPIn 1986 and 1988, the SCLF sponsored twice the National Children's Electronic Organ Exhibition Competition in Beijing. About 200 young contestants from 29 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions after having been chosen in preliminary competitions look part in the national ones.
In 1987, with the help of the Nippon Gakki Company (YAMAHA), the SCLF set up four electonic organ training centres for kindergarten teachers in Beijing, Qingdao, Guangzhou and Guiyang offering a regular course. In Beijing, Chengdu, Qingdao, Taiyuan, Dalian and Nanjing, Children's electronic organ training bases were set up for both kindergarten teachers and children.
The SCLF Huayin Music School in Beijing, since its foundation, had offered courses of violin and to other music instruments to several thousands children.
TOPIn October, 1986, within the National Science Invention Prize sponsored by State Science and Technology Commission, the SCLF established the Soong Ching Ling Children's Invention Prize. The Prize had already been issued three times to young-inventors of 10 to 13 years old. It is the hope of SCLF that the creation of the prize will arouse the children's consciousness of doing solid work by daring to practice and create.
TOPUpon the proposal made by a Dutch-Chinese who offered a donation, the Soong Ching Ling Foundation Scholarship was instituted in 1985. It has since been granted to 30 girl students of minority nationalities in China who studied at 8 colleges and universities in Gansu and Guizhou provinces.
The setting up of this scholarship was to encourage the girls to win honours in both study and behavior, to readily accept appointment to work in their home areas after graduation and to render good service to China's m ration. These 30 students have already graduated.
TOPSince 1983, with the help of the fraternal institutions such as the Soong Ching Ling (Mme. Sun Yat-sen) Foundation of America, Soong Ching Ling Foundation of Canada, the SCLF has arranged the showing on China Central Television Station 8 films adapted from world children's classics including "Cinderella" and Twenty Thousand Nautical Miles under the Sea", and other 10 children's television dramas such as "Children's Island", "Little one", etc.
In cooperation with China Central Television Station, the Chin elevision Drama Production Centre, China Children's Film Studio, China Children's Art Theater, the SCLF has helped to produce and telecast more than 10 films such as "My Father, My Mother", "Soong Ching Ling, the Champion for Peace", "Commander in Chief and Children", "The Sun has Seven Colours" etc.
Among them are winners of the Flying Apsaras Award. The film "The Children of Soong Ching Ling" jointly produced in 1985 by SCLF and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) was nominated by the American Ac ademy of Motion Picture Art and Science for Oscar Award as the best children's film.
1n 1987, the SCLF successfully organized the international animation film show on TV. During the three months of the show, more than 30 animation films over 10 countries including Japan, USSR, Mexico, Sweden, Australia, Bulgaria, Brazil, German Democratic Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, Hungary, Poland and Spain were introduced to the Chinese children.
In June 1989, the SCLF and the China Central Television Station jointly sponsored the first national animation film show on TV. More than 30 animation films produced by over 10 audio video corporations throughout China were shown.
In November, 1989, the SCLF, the National Station and other institutions organized together the International Children's TV Program Show. Over 80 programs from 40 countries and areas took part in the show.
TOPA training course for kindergarten teaches initiated by SCLF began from 1987 aiming to raising the vocational level of kindergarten teachers. Since then, over 2500 trainees, including principals and key teachers were admitted to three courses conducted during the winter and summer vacations. Lectures were given by experts and professors for small children with results.
TOPThe cooperation project between SCLF and UNICEF during 1985 to 1989 was successfully completed. Two Maternity Centres were set up in Yanqing county, Beijing municipality and Dingxi county, Gansu province respectively, and a children's library in Zhenning Buyi Autonomous county of Guizhou province.
The next Five-year cycle of the cooperation project between SCLF and UNICEF began from 1990. According to the plan of action, five mobile children's libraries will be established in Yilong and Guangan counties Sichuan province, Zhao Xian county, Hebei province, Wutai county, Shanxi province, Jinzhai country, Anhui province respectively, to bring books and TV films to children in mountain villages.
Besides, under the cooperation project between the SCLF and Foster Parents Plan International, primary schools and cement water pits were in the ten villages in Tongxin county, Ninxia Hui Autonomous Region, aiming to improve the living and learning conditions of the children in the locality.
TOPThe SCLF, Chinese Football Association, and the Zhen Yun Children's Football Promotion Society have jointly organized the "Baby Cup" children's football match. Six matches had already taken place consecutively. Children from various provinces and municipalities participated actively.
In 1988, the International Invitation Tournament of Football Match from China, United States, Japan, former German Democratic Republic exchanged experience on the green sports ground.
In 1989, the National Children's Palace Three Chess Tournament (Chinese chess, Go - a game played with black and white pieces on a board of 361 crosses and chess) was teams took part.
Little players from Korea, former USSR, and SCLF and State Physical Culture and Sports Commission organized together the Chinese children's sailing team to participate the International Optimist-Dinghy Association World Sailing Championship in Yokohama.
Also in 1989, the "Golden Key" Children's Yachting training base was established in the coastal city Qingdao by SCLF and Qingdao Women's Federation. In September 1989, over 100 children took part in the Beijing-Tianjin "Start Cup" teenagers Road Cycling Friendship Race.
In order to improve children's physical constitution and promote the development of children's sport activities, the SCLF has set up the children's Sports Promotion Society. Many veteran sports workers work voluntarily there for children.
TOPIn recent years, the activities of exchange between children of China and other countries organized by SCLF with peace as theme also witnessed somewhat development.
In 1988, the SCLF organized 4 child painters to visit the United States for an exhibition of works of painting and calligraphy. They had attended the Striking Peace Bell Ceremony on the International Day of Peace at the Headquarters of U.N. in New York presided by the UN Secretary General Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar.
In summer 1989, the SCLF organized 39 children to Fukuoka Japan, to attend the Asian-Pacific Children's Convention in Fukuoka 89. Under the banner of "peace friendship and understanding", over 1,000 children from 30 countries and areas carried out exchange.
TOPDuring recent years, the SCLF organized a series of activities taking peace as theme. In 1986, an International Knowledge Competition with peace as theme was organized by SCLF. More than one hundred thousands people took part in the Competition. The CCTV telecasted the competition to the whole country.
In 1987, Soong Ching Ling Foundation was conferred the Title of "Peace Messenger" by UN's Secretary-General Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar.
In 1988, to mark the "International Day of Peace", the SCLF held the or Children and Peace" Grand Competition of Chalkdrawing on Ground for Chinese and Foreign children. 500 Chinese and foreign children of different colours participating in this competition. Their desire and longing for peace, friendship and future found expression in the colour chalks.
On September 20, 1988, International Day of Peace, the SCLF sponsored the September 20 International Day of Peace -- Chinese Children and Peace Performance. More than 1,000 children and artists gave performance.<.p>
In order to publicize science and spirits of peace, the SCLF, together with the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, China Association for Science and Technology, launched jointly the rich and varied publicity activities of "Science and Peace Week", voicing the heart desire of our people to benefit mankind with science and technology in a peaceful environment.
TOPIn 1986, the SCLF held an exhibition of pre-school education, entitled "Future Pillars of the States" with Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education and Services.
In 1987, the SCLF and Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources organized "Love China" study movement in which several hundred thousands children participated.
In 1988, SCLF and Chinese Musicians Association jointly sponsored a national-wide activity of collecting and choosing the best songs for children. In the same year the SCLF organize the exhibit of children's painting and calligraphy in Xiaolan Township, Zhongshan city, Guangdong province, the exhibit of Chinese and Japanese folk toys, and the exhibit of paper-cut jointly sponsored with the SCLF of Japan. With China Toy Association, the First National Children's Toy Creation Competition was also held.
In recent years, the SCLF's Peace Publishing House has edited and published nearly 200 kinds of children books covering literature, art, education, science and technology, medical and health areas.
The Peace Publishing House published "Jinlin, a Chinese Cricket", a book written by Ms. Alison Stiwell, daughter of the late American General Stiwell. The book was beautifully designed and bound. It also participated a Chinese-German joint publication, an Album of Paintings by Wang Yani, a Chinese child paint printed by Preister Press in Hamburg, which won an award as the Best De Luxe Edition in Federal Germany in 1986.
TOPThe SCLF has made great efforts in studying the life of Soong Ching Ling. Precious materials such as hand writing, photos, letters, inscriptions of Soong Ching Ling were collected. On the basis of the views and suggestions of various circles concerned, the SCLF has published the articles "Soong Ching Ling in Hong Kong", "Soong Ching Ling in Chongqing", "Soong Ching Ling in Shanghai", and "Soong Ching Ling's Footsteps in America". It has also translated "The Newsletters of the China Defense League", and "Madame Sun Yat-sen". It compiled the picture book "A Glorious Life of Soong Ching Ling", and "Selected Inscriptions of Soong Ching Ling", a book of facsimiles in her calligraphy.
TOPAccording to the constitution of the SCLF, the funds of the Foundation come from the donations from fraternal organizations and individuals at home and abroad. Since the founding of the foundation in 1982, the SCLF has received donations money and materials equal to 30,000,000 yuan, including the fund donated from international organizations for children's projects.
These money and materials go to the fund of the Foundation and are controlled, supervised and audited by special department. In accordance with the aim of the Foundation, these money and materials are mainly used for the cause of children's culture, education, science and technology and welfare, such as funding of the construction of "Soong Ching Ling" Tianjin Bohai Children's World", "Soong Ching Ling Children's Science and Technology Pavilion", as well as supporting the undertakings of culture, education, and medical health for children in the remote and minority inhabited areas.
In the years since its establishment, the SCLF has given support to children's work all over China including Beijing, Tianjin, municipalities, and Hebei, Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Sichuan, Guizhou, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi provinces.
For example, 862 electronic organs were presented to children in different parts of China covering 29 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. It has presented 110 computers to children in Tianjin, Changch Taiyuan, Jinan and set up training courses in the four cities. 40,000 foreign stamps were given to children in Beijing and Guangzhou. Some 40,000 books and 7,000 pairs of "Baby" sport shoes were distributed to children and teenagers of the less developed, minority and remote areas, and summer camp caps were given to blind children.
These efforts played a positive role in the all-round development of children-morally, intellectually, physically, and aesthetically.
TOPIn order to strengthen the international friendly intercourse, the SCLF has, since its establishment actively developed the international exchange activities.
In the past years, the SCLF has hosted several thousands guests from nearly a hundred countries and areas including foreign friends, overseas Chinese and compatriots in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao.
In 1988 only, the SCLF had played host to more than 80 batches of overseas Chinese and foreign friends. Among them, there were state leaders, world famous personalities and old friends of Soong Ching Ling. Mr. Deng Xiaoping, Honorary Chairman of the SCLF had met with Mr. Armstrong, Chairman of the American Ambassador Foundation. Mme. Kang Keqing, Chairman of the SCLF had met with many distinguished guests, including Mme. Bush, wife of former US President Bush, Mme. Pompidou, wife of former French President Pompidou, Mme. Choonhavan, wife of former Thailand Premier Gen. Chatichai Choonhavan, Mme. Sanguinetti, Her Majesty Queen Ingrid of Denmark, Vice Chairman of President of the Supreme Soviet of USSR Anatoly Lukyanov, friends from Japan Tokuma Utsunomiya and Kakeitai Okasaki, descendants of late American General Stiwell, relatives of Sun Yat-sen and Soong Ching Ling and others.
Since 1982, the SCLF has sent delegations to visit countries such as Japan, U.S.A., Australia, the Philippines, Italy, France, and Hong Kong. The SCLF also maintains good relations with some international organizations and has their support and cooperation.
TOPThe office of SCLF is located in the residence of Mme. Soong Ching Ling. It was the garden of Prince Chun Zaifeng, father of China's last emperor Puyi.
It is the national key unit of historical relics preservation, serene and tastefully laid out, quiet and comfortable. Since it opened to public in 1982, it had received more than 2 millions visitors from home and abroad. Among them 10,000 were important foreign guests who came on purpose.
In the exhibition hall about 400 photos and more than 5,100 histor l objects and documents are on show. The things left behind by Soong Ching Ling are replicated, registered and carefully kept as historic relics. Since March 1987, the exhibition on life of Soong Ching Ling was held in Wenchang county, Hainan province, another hour exhibitions on life of Soong Ching Ling were held in Nanjing. Xian, Shenzhen, and Fuzhou respectively. More than 300,000 people visited the exhibitions.
Soong Ching Ling Foundation Beijing, China Office: No. 46, Houhai Bei Yan, Beijing, China 100009 Tel:(861)401-6304 Fax:(861)401-1354
This document is from a brochure of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, printed in March, 1990, received from Mr. Ma Lianyu, the General Secretary of Soong Ching Ling Foundation, when David Chu visited the Foundation in July, 1994.
Last updated on February 16, 1995 by David(Daqing) Chu