I am Zhou Bo from Amity Foundation, Nanjing, China. I am currently visiting the Buildabridge House, and studying here in the UnitedStates from September to the end of October. My program of study includes English tutorial study, observation in a volunteer driven non-profit and classes at Eastern University. I am glad to work as a volunteer for BuildaBridge, and during my time here I am learning about American culture, NGO processes and American society. All theses activities provide me with important experiences, and an increased global awareness that will enhance the  Amity Foundation’s capacity building plan as well as my work abilities. Additionally, my visit to BuildaBridge marks a growing partnership with Buildabridge; I believe there is potential for the Amity Foundation to cooperate with BuildaBridge and help children with special needs in China through arts-integrated intervention. In January, Dr. Corbitt is making a visit to China and the Amity Foundation.

The Amity Foundation is an independent non-government organization, which was created in 1985 by Christians to promote education, social services, health, and rural development from China's coastal provinces in the East to the minority areas of the West. I have been working on the social welfare project for six years; I am in charge of coordinating the orphanage project. I am also the Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Project, helping in the management of other projects such as deaf education, prevention of blindness, programs for leprosy victims, and also medical projects.

My work at the Amity Foundation has been meaningful and fulfilling. We are able to work with people who need help; we assist the people and serve society with our programs through the promotion of holistic development and public welfare. During the past six years, the orphanage project has benefited more than 1,000 children in love and care through the Amity Grandma Project, foster care, education sponsorship and medical services. Under Amity sponsorship, the children receive medical treatment for congenital diseases, attend the community-based school, and are prepared to enter society after graduating from school. Amity helps children find loving foster families where they can learn and grow in a healthy and loving environment.

I am excited to be a part of the work of Buildabridge, and to share this experience with my colleagues back home.