Express 2013dec eng

Oxfam Express

50 Issue

DEC 2013

Assisting Migrant Workers in China in Improving Their Lives Oxfam Hong Kong has been supporting urban livelihood projects in many cities across China, with a focus on community services, public education, legal aid, training on occupational safety, as well as advocacy.

Message from the Director General Dear Oxfam Friends, First of all, on behalf of everyone at Oxfam Hong Kong, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2014. The holiday season is coming to an end, and the new year is about to begin. This is the time of the year when people are busy reviewing and looking ahead. Have you made your new year’s resolutions yet?

In the 2012/13 financial year, Oxfam spent HK$213 million to support 1,066 programmes for community development, humanitarian aid, advocacy and development education around the world.

We have done quite a lot! However, there is still a lot of work to be done — there are still over 800 million people worldwide who go hungry every day. Poverty is the principal cause of hunger. In Hong Kong, the wealth gap is widening. Meanwhile, the ongoing armed conflict in Syria shows no signs of abating.

www.oxfam.org.hk

(852) 3120 5000

On 12 May 2008, China was hit by its worst earthquake in over 30 years. Millions of people in the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu were affected. Over the past five years, Oxfam has assisted them in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods, and in getting equipped with better skills to cope with future disasters.

One month after the earthquake, we set up an office in Chengdu to plan, coordinate and implement rehabilitation projects in Sichuan. So far, the office has implemented more than 140 emergency and rehabilitation projects. As people in our project areas have resumed their lives and developed sustainable livelihoods, we have decided to close our Chengdu office by the end of December 2013. This way, we can allocate our resources to helping more poor people in other places.

On behalf of Oxfam, I would like to thank our colleagues in Chengdu sincerely for their commitment, passion and hard work over the last five years. In this issue of

(852) 2590 6880

info@oxfam.org.hk

Oxfam Express, we invite you to read more about our work on the Wenchuan Earthquake. We are also providing an update of our work on the Yushu Earthquake, which hit in April 2010.

In the year ahead, Oxfam will continue to work with people against poverty and for justice. Let’s make 2014 a good year for everyone, everywhere.

Stephen Fisher Director General

Focus

Assisting Migrant Workers in China in Improving Their Lives

Community Service

Currently, there are 260 million migrant workers in China. They have contributed significantly to the rapid economic development in China, and to improving the lives of their family members who are living in rural areas. However, many of these workers are exploited, their labour rights denied.

They may feel isolated away from their home communities and develop occupational diseases. In short, they are marginalised.

Oxfam has helped set up several migrant worker service centres in different cities in China. These centres run various activities and workshops on literature, poetry, music, drama and photography. These activities not only provide a channel for workers to speak their minds and reflect upon the value of labour, they also help promote social integration, mutual support and community service participation among the workers. Some centres also arrange for workers and volunteers to visit workers who suffer from occupational injuries and to promote awareness of occupational safety, health and labour rights.

By helping migrant workers protect their income and labour rights, we are reducing poverty in rural China and narrowing the wealth gap in urban China.

In 2013/14, Oxfam Hong Kong plans to allocate HK$15,400,000 to its work with 34 partner organisations in 12 cities. The work encompasses 59 projects which help more than 200,000 migrant workers and their families improve their lives. In this issue, we introduce our work in providing services and legal aid to these communities.

Oxfam Project Areas And Focus Location

Legal aid

Community services

HIV/AIDS prevention

Advocacy & research

The Migrant Women's Club in Beijing supports domestic workers in the city in arranging self help groups and organises activities to enhance mutual support among the women. The organisation also carries out advocacy work to promote awareness of the situation that domestic workers in China face.

Education & training (esp. for women workers)

Beijing Tianjin Qingdao Jinan Nanjing Suzhou Hangzhou Guangzhou Shenzhen Dongguan Kunming Chongqing The Xiaojinyan Community Public Service Centre in Guangzhou helps migrant workers in Panyu District set up a parents’ support group and parent-child activities to strengthen communication between migrant workers and their children.

Legal Aid Oxfam works with partners in Beijing, the Pearl River Delta, the Yangtze River Delta, Chongqing and other areas to provide legal advice and legal aid to migrant workers in relation to unpaid wages, workers' compensation, overtime pay and termination compensation, so that they can protect their legal rights.

The Nanjing University Legal Aid Project, supported by Oxfam, provides free legal aid services to migrant workers in Nanjing and Kunshan.

He Has Been There And He Wants to Help!

Zhang Shaobing, 42, has been a migrant worker since 1994. He sends part of his meager income home every month to support his wife and two children.

“I worked in a factory making furniture and earning a monthly salary of 3,300 yuan. The cost of living in Dongguan is very high, so I can only afford to rent a small room with 160 yuan per month. Life was hard, but I managed to get by. However, one day in 2011, I lost three fingers in an occupational accident. Although I recovered, I could not continue my job as a furniture maker. I was so worried.

Zhang Shaobing actively takes part in volunteer work to help other injured workers

I decided to fight for compensation from my employer. As a rural migrant worker, I had no knowledge of labour law and I didn’t know what legal procedures I should take. Luckily, I managed to get some valuable legal advice from the Dongguan Youwei Workers Service Centre (Youwei) and in the end, I received a compensation of 113,000 yuan.

This helped release my burden after having received no income for many months.

At Oxfam Hong Kong, we see gender equality and the empowerment of women as significant strategies for eradicating poverty. Our urban livelihoods programmes advocate for a more equitable allocation of resources and equal opportunities for women and girls.

About a year ago, an interesting sight appeared in a shopping mall in Shenzhen: 50 male migrant workers marched in red high heels! They held signs saying “Respect for women, reject violence” and “Refuse to be silent, women should speak out”. The campaign event had been organised by one of Oxfam’s partner organisations, the Hand in Hand Workers Centre, in response to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November. The purpose was to call on communities to work toward the elimination of violence against women.

A male worker, Chen Honglin, said: “It was not until we had put ourselves in women’s shoes that we understood the pressure they faced … We need to help them increase their confidence. We also need to be more supportive and help reduce their burdens.”

Twenty female workers in fake handcuffs also joined the campaign. They held signs saying “Against pregnancy discrimination in the workplace”, “Equal pay for men and women” and “Against sexual violence”. One woman, dressed to represent a victim of domestic violence, said: “Men and women are both human. Why do women have to suffer discrimination and harassment by supervisors in the workplace?”

Currently, Zhang works as a security guard. Life has gradually gone back to normal. He said: “The income is much lower now, but I manage to get by.”

With support from Oxfam, Youwei handles 2,400 cases involving labour law and legal advice every year. The organisation also actively promotes awareness of occupational safety and health, particularly targeting the furniture industry.

Putting Himself in Her Heels for Gender Equality

Another male worker also expressed his thoughts: “Before I registered for the event, I wondered how I would look wearing high heels and walking in front of people. Then, I read more about the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and learned more about the significance of the event. I wanted to play my part in fighting for gender equality.”

Apart from the legal advice, the staff of Youwei gave me a lot of support and encouragement, without which I would not have been able to get through the difficult time. I have been there, so I totally understand how it feels to be an injured worker. Therefore, I decided to become a volunteer of Youwei and support its outreach activities, which promote labour law and occupational safety.”

Occupational injuries or diseases are a serious problem in China. According to statistics from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China, in 2009, more than 950,000 workers were identified as having suffered work-related injuries. State Administration of Work Safety spokesman Huang Yi said in 2009 that the number of deaths caused by work accidents had reached 83,196.

The Migrant Workers’ Home in Suzhou provides a library, legal aid, and seminars on labour law.

Youwei provides leg al advice and trai ning on occupational safety to migrant workers in Gua ngdong.

It also arranges for volunt eers to visit injured worke rs in hospitals.

After the marchers had paraded peacefully around the mall, the women gathered together and broke the fake handcuffs, symbolising their escape from the bondage of gender inequality.

The event received coverage from a number of national newspapers, including Southern Metropolis Daily, Shenzhen Economic Daily and China Women’s News. It successfully raised awareness of migrant workers and gender issues in China.

The Hand in Hand Workers Centre, an Oxfam partner, organises a campaign to increase awareness of the unequal status of female migrant workers.

See the

World

Wenchuan Earthquake Five Years On

Yushu Earthquake: A Brief Report

The massive 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake affected millions of people across the provinces of Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi. Over the past five years, Oxfam has provided survivors in the three provinces with emergency relief. We have also worked with them to rebuild their lives.

Here is a brief report.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Yushu County in southeastern Qinghai Province on 14 April 2010. The earthquake toppled buildings, leaving more than 100,000 people, most of them impoverished, homeless. Oxfam immediately supported emergency relief efforts in the most affected areas of Yushu.

As of 31 October 2013, We have raised: HK$172,942,249 We have spent: HK$175,292,233 We have implemented a total of 228 projects (including 28 emergency and 200 rehabilitation projects) assisting more than 850,000 people through the disaster.

Oxfam staff members distribute supplies in remote areas and directly to survivors

Oxfam builds earthquake-resistant temporary schools and provide desks for primary pupils.

As of 31 October, 2013, We have raised: HK$11,215,974 We have spent: HK$9,125,746 We have implemented a total of 18 projects, assisting more than 90,540 people through the disaster.

Stage 1: Emergency Response, Public Health And Counselling (May – November 2008) • Oxfam assisted more than 630,000 people in 125 communities across three provinces with food items, quilts, tents, canvas for making shelter, iron beds, sanitary items, and more.

• We worked with the West China School of Public Health of Sichuan University to mobilise a team of 260 volunteer medical professionals to conduct cleaning, epidemic prevention and waste disposal work in affected areas in Sichuan.

Currently, we are implementing rehabilitation projects to help restore the lives of the people affected by the earthquake, improve their health, strengthen their capacity in community involvement, and foster community development. Here is an update of our work in Yushu.

Livelihoods Development, Especially for Women Oxfam Ambassador Vivian Chow (left) participates in the 2008 Oxfam Rice Sale, a fundraising event for the Sichuan Earthquake. Oxfam Ambassador Denise Ho visits Sichuan in May 2008 and helps distribute relief items to survivors.

Oxfam supports a training project in the biggest settlement in Yushu. We are assisting 130 female survivors of the Yushu earthquake who have lost their husbands or families in acquiring cultural knowledge and sewing skills.

One of the project participants, Yongqing said: “I am happy to be able to join the training because I can learn new things and skills. I hope to find a job in a tailor shop.”

• We brought in supplies for seven earthquake-resistant transitional schools within two months of the event. More than 3,000 pupils benefited from them.

Stage 2: Rehabilitation And Livelihoods Development (September 2008 – December 2013)

A woman expresses her joy at recovering from the earthquake in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan

• In January 2009, Oxfam was one of the first international development non-governmental organisations to sign a memorandum of understanding – the Framework Agreement on Earthquake Recovery and Reconstruction – with the International Poverty Reduction Centre in China and the Chinese State Council’s Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development.

• We have supported the restoration of the basic rural infrastructure in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi, including by working with the inhabitants to build roads, bridges, and water supply systems (both for irrigation and drinking water) and rebuild houses in Shaanxi, and schools in remote areas in Gansu, which received limited resources.

• We have also supported long-term livelihoods projects in the three provinces. Training on sustainable community development and disaster preparedness were provided.

Ningqiang, Shaanxi: Through the programmes, communities become more confident in self-development and management.

Yushu has been designated a national-level poverty-stricken county. People living in the area consistently face a harsh natural environment and extreme climates. They lack health care resources and facilities, skilled health workers, and knowledge about hygiene and health. As a result, they are vulnerable to infectious and common diseases. These problems have worsened after the Yushu earthquake.

Pengzhou, Sichuan: Oxfam supports a pig-farming project to help poor female farmers in the hit region increase their income.

Lueyang, Shaanxi: Oxfam’s road-building projects employ a work approach that involves community participation so that villagers can take the lead on community development.

Dingxi, Gansu: A school built with assistance from Oxfam provides students and teachers with a safe and comfortable learning environment.

Together We Can Make A Difference!

By Zhai Fan, Programme Manager, Sichuan Earthquake Relief and Rehabilitation Programme

First row from left: Long Hui-yong, Xiao Sha, Zhai Fan, Zhang Xia and Ke Jingjing Second row from left: Li Hong, Zheng Hongye, Zhu Tongjing, Tang Liang, Nie Liang Fei, Ran Jianwei, Chen Hanxin

Better Health

The “5.12 Wenchuan Earthquake” was a huge disaster. It was also a big challenge to the affected people and relief workers. I remember that one day, when I was in one of the affected areas in Sichuan, I heard people saying this: “The earthquake can destroy mountains and rivers. It can kill our loved ones and topple our homes. However, it cannot destroy our will.” As a relief worker, I cannot agree with this more.

Time flies and it has been more than five years since the earthquake. Our efforts have paid off — we have helped community members build and restore basic infrastructure and develop sustainable livelihoods.

From their smiling faces, we can see their joy at being self-sufficient.

Looking back, there were so many unforgettable experiences that I would like to share with you: the joy of seeing poor communities get their lives back to normal with Oxfam’s support; the challenges of going along bumpy roads to projects areas; the sweat and determination of the Oxfam colleagues and the staff of partner organisations as they carried out rehabilitation projects. My heartfelt thanks to all of them and to the supporters of Oxfam who made donations to support our work.

Last but not least, I sincerely wish all kind-hearted people safety and peace.

More information is available in the report “5.12 Wenchuan Earthquake: Five Years On”: www.oxfam.org.hk/filemgr/2159/512final.pdf (simplified Chinese version only)

Oxfam supports health projects in Yushu which raise awareness of health and disease prevention. We also work with partners to improve health services in the village and township and at the county level. About 15,000 people have benefited from the projects.

Cairen, 21 (second from right), is a doctor in a village in Qumalai County. She is one of the village doctors who took part in a seven-day medical training course supported by Oxfam.

“Previously, we had very few training opportunities,” she said. “Thanks to Oxfam’s support, I learned many useful medical skills and acquired knowledge about therapies such as moxibustion and treatments for dislocations, heart disease and high blood pressure. These are common health issues on the plateau. Applying what I had learned during the training session, I provided treatment for a woman with a dislocation and administered first aid to a patient with a nosebleed. With Oxfam’s support, we also gained access to medicine, stethoscopes and blood pressure monitors. Now, I am more skilled, better equipped and confident that I can help more patients.”

Activities Visting the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers (Kowloon)

Donor Trip to Bangladesh

The Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers (Kowloon) was established in 1992 with the aim of serving marginalised workers, regardless of their religion, race, sex or age. They have been providing services to grassroots ethnic minorities in Hong Kong (especially Pakistanis) since 2007.

We invite you, our valued monthly donors, to travel to Bangladesh — a great opportunity to see the changes in the lives of the people there and to deepen your understanding of Oxfam’s work. We will take you to some of our development and climate change adaptation projects, where you will learn about our work first-hand and be able to talk directly with project participants.

Although the Race Discrimination Ordinance came into effect in July 2009, many ethnic minorities still face language barriers when applying for public housing and using the employment services of the Labour Department. The centre is lobbying government departments for a review of their public services with a view to ensuring that ethnic minorities have equal access to them.

Date : 8 March 2014 (Saturday) Time : 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm Content : Activities to increase the public’s understanding of how minority families live, including a henna demonstration and homemade traditional snacks

by Pakistani women Meeting details: 2:15 pm, Yau Ma Tei MTR Station Exit A1

Date: 21 – 28 February 2014 Number of partners: 8 Price: HK$13,000 (This includes transport and accommodations. Refunds will be made if a balance remains after deducting the actual charges.)

Requirements: Oxfam Partners aged 18 or above who are willing to share their observations from the trip with Oxfam supporters and the general public

Parent-Child Exploration Activity A Cloud on the Horizon: Interactive Theatre on Climate Change

Please return the form below to us by 17 January 2014.

We will contact successful applicants by 30 January 2014.

Adapting the process drama approach – where students and teachers work in and out of role – the workshop allows participants to use their imagination and body language to get into the lives of people residing on an island and explore the impacts of climate change on them.

Volunteers Needed for Oxfam Rice Sale 2014

Date Venue

: 23 February 2014 (Sunday) : Oxfam Hong Kong Interactive Education Centre, 9/F China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point Time : 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm Language : Cantonese

This is our biggest annual fundraising event for our projects in Mainland China and we need to recruit a large number of volunteers! Oxfam Rice Stalls will be set up across the city; with your help, these small bags of rice will be sold to the public and the money raised will help poor people in China work towards a better future.

• For parents and their children aged 9 to 12 • Please arrive at 2:20 pm.

• Participants will be asked to sit on the floor. Please remove your shoes before entering the centre.

Please fax this form to (852) 2590 6880 or send it to Oxfam Hong Kong, 17/F China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong. Please mark the envelope “Donor Activities”

Oxfam Donor Activities – Reply Form Full Name:

Age:

Telephone (Day):

Please tick

Hong Kong: 10, 11, 17 & 18 May 2014 Macau: 31 May & 1 June 2014

Oxfam Partner No. (if any): MD

Occupation: Email:

(Night):

Donor Trip to Bangladesh (21 – 28 February 2014) What do you expect from this trip?

We expect you to record your observations during the trip and share them with other donors and possibly the general public. What methods would you choose to do this?

Parent-Child Exploration Activity: A Cloud on the Horizon: Interactive Theatre on Climate Change (Sunday, 23 February 2014) Name of participant:

Age:

Name of participant:

Age:

Name of participant:

Age:

Name of participant:

Age:

Visiting the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers (Saturday, 8 March 2014)

No. of participants:

Volunteer Recruitment for Oxfam Rice Sale Hong Kong – No. of volunteers: Venue:

□ Hong Kong Island

Rice Sale Date

□ Kowloon

Time Slot 1

12:30 - 15:30

□ Kwai Tsing or Tsuen Wan

Time Slot 2

15:30 - 18:30

Rice Sale Date

10 May (Sat)

11 May (Sun)

17 May (Sat)

18 May (Sun)

□ Sha Tin or Tai Wai Time Slot 1

10:00 - 12:30

Time Slot 2

□ Tuen Mun or Yuen Long

12:30 - 15:30

Time Slot 3

15:30 - 18:30

Macau – No. of volunteers: Venue:

□ Macau Peninsula

Rice Sale Date 31 May (Sat) 1 June (Sun)

□ Taipa

Time Slot 1

11:00 - 14:00

Time Slot 2

14:00 -17:00

* Volunteers must be Hong Kong / Macau residents. * Parents or guardians must accompany volunteers under the age of 14. * We will contact you by late April (for Oxfam Rice Sale in Hong Kong) / early May (for Oxfam Rice Sale in Macau) to confirm details of the event. * Time slots and districts will be allotted to volunteers according to their preferences. Oxfam reserves the right to make alternative arrangements if necessary. * A volunteer certificate (e-copy) will be sent to every participating volunteer in Hong Kong by email within two months after the event. A volunteer certificate (hardcopy) will be awarded to every participating volunteer in Macau on the event days.

For enquiries, please contact us at (852)3120 5000

Macau toll free hotline: 0800 809 Fax: 2590 6880

Fundraising Activities In 2014, Oxfam will organise two new sports fundraising events. While enjoying the fun of sport, you can also raise funds for Oxfam to help poor people around the world achieve self-sufficiency. So, let’s step up and walk hand in hand with people against poverty! Join us now!

Oxfam Walkathon 2014 Date: 9 February 2014 (Sunday) Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Venue: The Peak Galleria Activity: Participants must raise a minimum donation. The trail is about 2 km long and there will be two categories: the individual walk and the team walk.

Deadline for entry: 17 January 2014 (Friday) Event website: www.oxfam.org.hk/walkathon

Oxfam Towerrun 2014 Event date: 15 March 2014 (Saturday) Venue: Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre Activity: Upon raising a minimum donation, participants can take part in the individual challenge, or join the team challenge as a member of a company or organisation. Participants must run up 1,298 steps from the ground floor to the main observation level on the 61st floor.

Deadline for entry: 31 January 2014 (Friday) Event website: www.oxfam.org.hk/towerrun

Where There’s A Will, There’s A Brighter Way Besides making monthly donations for our work against poverty, many supporters also specify in their wills that they would like to donate a legacy to Oxfam as a way of extending their commitment to poverty alleviation around the world.

Please ACT NOW and name Oxfam Hong Kong as a beneficiary of your legacy. It is a way to help poor people improve their livelihoods.

Three ways of donating a legacy: • Give all or part of the assets that remain after deducting the necessary taxes.

• Give a specific asset (e.g. stocks or shares).

• Give all or part of a life insurance policy.

For more information, please contact Vicky Ng: 3120 5258 email: vickyn@oxfam.org.hk

Oxfam Lai See Donation 2014 The Lunar New Year is just around the corner!

Oxfam invites you to the Oxfam Lai See Sale, a fundraising activity to be held in January 2014.

Thanks to the longtime support of B.Duck, we have created a special edition of the B.Duck lai see this year. Come join us and get up close and personal with B.Duck!

Date: 10 – 12 January 2014 (Friday to Sunday) Venue: Level 1, Stars Atrium, Plaza Hollywood, Diamond Hill Content: B.Duck lai see sale, live music performance, colouring games for kids and more

Oxfam UNwrapped

一份幫到人的禮物 Unwrap Your Blessings!

Every year, more than 100 kindergartens and primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong join the Oxfam Lai See Donation campaign. By donating their lai see money, students of these schools help poor people work their way out of poverty. We look forward to your participation. Together, we can share our blessings with people in need!

For more details, please contact Esther Chan: 3120 5218 email: esther@oxfam.org.hk

Unwrap Your Blessing!

Special Gifts

Give the gift that keeps on giving This holiday season, give a gift that delivers your blessings not only to your loved ones, but also to the 840 million people who go to bed hungry every night. By shopping at Oxfam Unwrapped, you can select from a series of extraordinary and practical gifts which will be presented to people in need in different parts of the world – in the name of your family and friends. You can also select a gift card with a personal message of your choice.

幼兒營養午餐

A nutritious meal

B.Duck greeting card

十隻小鴨

10 Ducks

www.oxfamunwrapped.org.hk

救災三寶

emergency kit

Oxfam Snapshots Donor Trip to Guangdong On 10 November 2013, 12 monthly donors travelled to Guangdong Province, China, to see some of Oxfam’s urban livelihoods projects.

One of the trip participants, Sean Chan, shares his experiences.

I was grateful to have the chance to go on the trip to visit some of the volunteer organisations that Oxfam supports in Mainland China. The trip was fruitful. I now have a more thorough understanding of some social issues in China and also the tremendous work that Oxfam and its partner NGOs do to help poor people in need.

There is no doubt that economic development in China has been incredibly fast in the past 10 years. However, a lot of social issues have arisen as a result. For example, many people leave their home towns to work in cities, but their hukou, or household registrations, remain in their hometowns. Because of this, the children of these workers cannot enjoy the educational resources in the cities where their parents are employed.

One of the local NGOs we visited, the Xiaojinyan Community Public Service Centre, is working to help children in migrant communities in Panyu District, Guangzhou.

I was particularly impressed by the passion displayed by one of the founders of Xiaojinyan, a university graduate only in her mid-20s. I realised how much courage and wisdom she needs to work with community members, deal with government officials and organise

Oxfam supporters appreciate the passion and commitment of the staff at Xiaojinyan, a grassroots organisation which Oxfam supports in Guangzhou. activities. I truly believe that the committed staff of these grassroots organisations deserve more encouragement and support from us.

Last but not least, the trip has definitely strengthened my confidence in Oxfam’s work in China, and I am glad that my donations are being spent in an effective and meaningful way.

Oxfam Supporters Gathering 2013 The Oxfam Supporters Gathering was held on 20 October this year. This annual event is an opportunity for the organisation’s supporters to meet its staff. During the event, we presented our achievements from the past year, and our future plans.

Some supporters shared their thoughts. “I fully support Oxfam’s work on gender equality and education for girls,” one said.

Another said: “The event enabled me to learn more about the achievements and challenges of Oxfam’s poverty alleviation programmes.”

Some said they hoped we could carry out more advocacy and public education projects.

Oxfam Kids and other children also enjoyed interactive activities and games through which they learned about global food and hunger issues.

The Oxfam Supporters Gathering presents a chance for us all to meet each other.

Oxfam Trailwalker 2013 The 32 Oxfam Trailwalker was held from 15 to 17 November 2013. Although there were some unexpected disturbances at the beginning, Oxfam’s flagship fundraising event was held successfully. We sincerely thank all Trailwalkers, supporting organisations and volunteers for their assistance and understanding. nd

This year, 4,672 walkers (1,168 teams) set out from the starting point in Pak Tam Chung in four rounds. In the end, 4,204 walkers, representing 90 per cent of all participants, overcame the challenge of hiking over 23 hills and completed the 100 km trail within the time limit of 48 hours. The first two teams to finish were Team Columbia S1, with a time of 10 hours, 58 minutes, and Team Nepal, at 11 hours, 1 minute.

Members of the Fearless Dragon Team, who are visually and hearing impaired, overcome the physical challenge to complete the trail in 32 hours, 19 minutes.

The result is encouraging and inspiring!

For more information, please visit: www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk

Meet the Oxfamers

^

A Gardener for Poverty Alleviation Howard Liu,

China Programme Director Howard, born in Guangdong, joined Oxfam Hong Kong in September 2005. He works a lot with people: He meets with programme colleagues and provides strategies for Oxfam’s prgrammes in Mainland China. He meets with representatives of government departments and other NGOs in China to build partnerships. He also meets with project participants to see how Oxfam’s work helps improve their lives. Before joining Oxfam, Howard was quite “green”. He holds a doctorate in urban forestry ecology from the University of Hong Kong; he was a programme director at Greenpeace China; and he worked in the Department of Environmental Protection of Guangdong Province.

So, why did he make this career move?

Howard smiles and explains: “Environmental protection and poverty alleviation seem different, but they share the same goal, that of achieving sustainable development for human beings. The cause of poverty largely involves the unfair and unequal distribution of resources, and their misuse and destruction. Therefore, a successful poverty alleviation project largely depends on the proper allocation of resources. We need to work

Howard (sitting third from right) meets project participants to see how Oxfam’s projects are helping them. with people to achieve this goal. Oxfam supports poor communities in effectively using resources and protecting the natural environment that their livelihoods depend on. We also mobilise policymakers, civil society and community members to end poverty and injustice.”

Oxfam sees project participants and the NGOs that it supports as partners. The committed and experienced development worker jokingly says his role is like that of a gardener: He is responsible for sowing seeds, applying fertilisers and helping grassroots organisations grow. “By giving local NGOs support to carry out poverty alleviation projects, we can minimise the use of resources and maximise impact,” he says. “Put it this way: One Oxfam programme officer can work with 10 local NGOs that share a similar vision and mission, and these organisations can extend their influence and mobilise more people to make a difference in the world. For example, two local partners that Oxfam supports, Green Watershed in Yunnan and the Shaanxi Research Association for Women and Family, have developed into well-established and influential local NGOs specialising in community development and resource management, and women’s empowerment, respectively.”

Many people think China is no longer a poor country and they doubt the significance of carrying out poverty reduction work there.

Howard disagrees. “Yes, China has become a middle-income country, but more than 100 million people still live in poverty. In fact, China's wealth disparity has reached alarming levels in recent years. It is also one of the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters. Poor people’s lives and livelihoods are greatly affected by frequent earthquakes, droughts and floods. Thus, Oxfam’s work in China is still significant. We support community development programmes that include disaster preparedness measures, and we lobby the government for pro-poor policies with the help of research and campaigns.”

Howard (front row, far left) signs the Framework Agreement on Post-Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Pilot Projects for Poverty-Stricken Villages Hit by Wenchuan Earthquake on behalf of Oxfam with the Foreign-Funded Project Management Centre of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development, and the International Poverty Reduction Centre in China.

Howard enjoys participating in Oxfam Trailwalker

How can Oxfam make a change despite the unique political environment in China?

“It is indeed challenging to do advocacy work in China, but we have managed to achieve something significant. For example, over the years, our urban livelihoods team has been conducting research and collecting cases reflecting the real life of migrant workers. We presented the findings and reports to government departments and ultimately influenced the formulation of the Labour Law. We are improving the quality of education and educational equity in China by developing bicultural and multicultural teaching materials catering to specific ethnic minorities. We are also building and rebuilding schools and teaching locations in impoverished inland villages. Beyond that, we are urging the Chinese government and society to allocate more resources to helping children in remote rural and mountainous areas, and rural-urban migrant children in China's burgeoning cities. I am glad that the government has become more aware of the issues and is reviewing its education policies.

Howard talks about his two favourite activities – Oxfam Trailwalker and running marathons – as eagerly as he talks about work. “For both poverty reduction and Oxfam Trailwalker, one has to overcome a lot of challenges and difficulties before achieving the goal. I see both as learning processes for personal growth.”

Reports / Acknowledgements Total Programme Expenditure: HK$107million

Africa

Archipelagic Southeast Asia

(Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa & Zambia)

(Indonesia, DPR Korea, the Philippines & Timor-Leste)

The Mekong

(Lao DPR, Myanmar & Vietnam)

(April to October 2013)

8%

8%

10%

Other & global

3%

7%

6%

South Asia

(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India & Nepal)

Hong Kong Mainland China & Macau

573 on-going projects (as of 31 October 2013)

58%

* The programme expenditure is subject to audit and will be published in the Annual Review 2013/2014.

New Project Highlights

(From 1 April to 31 October 2013, Oxfam Hong Kong approved 161 new projects.)

Mainland China

Africa

Beijing

• Mutual help and support network for migrant women

Gansu

• Livelihood development project in Huining County • The promotion of environmental hygiene and women’s health and education in Weiyuan County

Ethiopia • Emergency response to assist 31,610 drought-affected people in Bale

Guizhou

• Emergency relief project in response to the 2013 drought in Tongzi County • Road construction project in Jiangkou County

Jiangsu

• Support for Nanjing University to promote labour legislation, education, consultations and legal aid

Shaanxi

• Post-flood rehabilitation project in Nanzheng County • Research on the technical and economic potential of mitigation measures in agriculture in poor areas

Sichuan

• Bridge construction projects in Beichuan County

Yunnan

• Drinking water project for people and livestock in Shidian County • Integrated development project in Chuxiong City

Hong Kong • Advocacy project on universal retirement protection • Tin Shui Wai community development project • Education for citizenship and civil society with young people

Mali

• Recovery support for 3,120 poor people affected by armed conflict and climate shocks in Bourem Circle in Gao Province

Zambia • Economic justice programme

Archipelagic Southeast Asia DPR Korea

• The rehabilitation of agriculture for improved food security and more resilient livelihoods on Ryonghung Farm, North Pyongan Province • Preliminary support for agricultural equipment for the formation of a demonstration farm

Timor-Leste • Oxfam Hong Kong’s contribution to Oxfam’s Timor-Leste country programme

South Asia Bangladesh • Emergency response to Cyclone Mahasen in Barguna District India

• Promoting violence-free lives for women from marginalised communities

Nepal

• Livelihood and empowerment programme in Arghakhanchi District

Acknowledgements

Oxfam Partners Recruitment Campaign Exhibition Area Sponsorship (April to October 2013)

《Baby-mo》Magazine Bamboos! Magazine Bonhams(Hong Kong) Ltd Edge Gallery Hong Kong Trade Development Council PCCW Media Limited Zip Magazine 元新 Groundwork Architecture + Urbanism Ltd. 耆聲義工合唱團

Oxfam Trailwalker 2013

Home Dining

Official Office Equipment: Epson

Fortune Malls Fortune City One Ma On Shan Plaza

Official Gear: HAGLÖFS

Good Focus Holdings Limited Kowloon City Plaza

Official Engineering Consultant: Kum Shing Group

Henderson Land Development Company Limited Shatin Centre

Oxfam Ambassadors: Liu Wai Hung Priscilla Wong Sammy Leung Vanessa Yeung Volunteer Photographers: Titan Lam Wingo Chan Venue Sponsor: Sai Corporation Ltd

Principal Sponsor: State Street Corporation

Official Green Management Partner: SGS

Logistics Sponsors: Asia Miles Limited CLP Power Hong Kong Limited PCCW and HKT Swire Properties Limited

Official Webcasting Sponsor: VCAST.TV LIMITED

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Official Drinks Sponsor: Vitasoy International Holdings Limited

Paper Communication Exhibition Services

Official Apparel: Columbia

Official Footwear: Montrail Official Energy Food: Nature’s Village Official Outdoor Shop: PROTREK

Lands Department Eugene Group Cheung Kong Holdings Limited Kingswood Ginza The Pacifica Mall

Henderson Sunlight Property Management Limited Sheung Shui Centre Shopping Arcade Sino Group Gold Coast Piazza Regentville Shopping Mall Shatin Galleria Tuen Mun Town Plaza

Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited Chelsea Heights Chi Fu Landmark Mikiki New Kowloon Plaza Park Central Port Centre Shopping Arcade Sun Kwai Hing Plaza Yuen Long Plaza The Link Management Limited Chung On Shopping Centre Heng On Commercial Centre Hoi Fu Shopping Centre Kai Tin Shopping Centre Kam Tai Shopping Centre Ming Tak Shopping Centre New Jade Shopping Arcade Oi Tung Shopping Centre Sheung Tak Plaza Siu Lun Shopping Centre Tai Wo Plaza Tin Shing Shopping Centre

Printed on 100% recycled paper using soy oil-based ink Editorial Committee: Kanie Siu, Maranda Wong, Brenda Lee, Joyce Man OXFAM HONG KONG: 17/F China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong Oxfam Hong Kong Interactive Education Centre: 9/F China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong The Oxfam Shop in Central: LG 8, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place (Tel: 2522 1765) Oxfam Hong Kong – Macau Office: Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpção, No.258, Praça Kin Heng Long, 18 Andar F, Macau (Toll Free Hotline: 0800 809)