MBL Year in Review 2009-2014
From 2009 to 2014, Mother's Bridge of Love (MBL) entered its second phase of exploration, learning, and improvement. During this period, our dedicated efforts have gained extensive support and collaboration, both nationally and internationally. Under the guidance of a new board and the newly appointed head of headquarters, Xiaoli, all three cultural bridges of MBL have undergone substantial development and improvement.
The bridge of cultural exchange between China and foreign countries has made significant strides, progressing from the construction of bridge piers and approach bridges to the completion of the main structure. This advancement has allowed cultural ambassadors from both sides, as well as families who have adopted Chinese orphans, to embark on on-site visits and engage in meaningful exchanges. To facilitate the participation of volunteers in MBL's international projects, MBL London headquarters, in collaboration with relevant departments in the UK, has established biannual volunteer training sessions. These sessions aim to equip MBL volunteers with a comprehensive understanding of international charity laws, family and child protection laws, cultural differences between the East and the West, as well as MBL's working principles. Moreover, these training sessions serve as a bridge for volunteers to fulfill their needs in terms of cultural exchange and career development.
Supported by MBL London headquarters and the MBL China Volunteer Centre in Nanjing, adoptive families and artists from countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark have had the opportunity to visit China and experience its rich folk customs. They have also gained an understanding of the course of China's reform and opening-up, as well as the differences between urban and rural areas. During their visit, they interacted with children in Chinese urban and rural schools, encouraging their participation in international cultural and artistic activities through painting and pen pal programmers. These initiatives are designed to cultivate children's interest and aspirations in world peace, art, and culture.
During this period, MBL's London International Cultural Activities team achieved extraordinary success, earning praise from collaborators in various fields. They organized and facilitated exchanges between visiting Chinese scholars and prestigious UK universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and the University of Bath. The visiting scholars included several notable figures such as Professor Feng Jicai a contemporary Chinese writer, painter, and director of the Chinese National Intangible Cultural Heritage Expert Committee, Professor Dan Yu from the Communication University of China, professors from Peking University, and publishers from Zhonghua Book Company, Yilin Press, and Flower City Publishing House. MBL also provided advisory support for China International Film Festival London and rallied volunteers working in international financial institutions in the UK to participate in dragon boat races. Additionally, MBL offered bilingual exhibition consultations, forum translations, and accommodation for visiting Chinese writers as part of the series of events for China as the guest of honor at the 2012 London Book Fair. One of the founders of MBL, writer Xinran Xue, was invited to give guest lectures at universities in multiple countries in Europe, the US, and Canada, encouraging Chinese and foreign students to participate in the United Nations Oral History project.
Between 2009 and 2014, MBL experienced a surge in attention and demand from the international adoption community. Adoption organizations and families from all over the world began to seek out MBL for assistance. In particular, Chinese female orphans who had been adopted by families in the United States during the 1990s reached out to MBL for help. They discussed how to cope with their abandoned pasts and how to share their stories with the help of MBL. These adoptees also engaged in visits and exchanges with other countries. The MBL China Volunteer Centre achieved success in facilitating visits for adoptive families to their children's birthplaces. Meanwhile, MBL's London headquarters received adoptive families from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark. They organized Chinese cultural activities in communities and schools where Chinese adopted children lived, and participated in annual gatherings of adoption organizations. In 2013, MBL was invited to participate in the annual Chinese New Year celebration at Young V&A in the UK.
In 2013, after a decade of exploration and practice, MBL embarked on a mission to optimize and enhance the MBL International Library project. With urbanization and changes in rural areas progressing in China, MBL headquarters recognized the need to provide analysis and confirmation of adoption information for families adopting Chinese children. To achieve this, the MBL China Volunteer Centre reached out to organizations and families worldwide who have adopted Chinese children, inviting them to participate in the 'Books for Kids (B4K)' initiative. The primary objective of B4K was to expand the research and information network available to adoptive families, enabling them to trace their roots and ancestral homes. Additionally, the initiative aimed to increase support for cultural education among abandoned infants and children in impoverished areas. It is truly heartening to witness the overwhelming support B4K has received from numerous primary and secondary schools, as well as publishing houses throughout China. As a token of gratitude, MBL chairman, international literary agent Toby Eady, extended invitations to leaders from the publishing industry across different countries. They were invited to participate in significant events such as the 'China Harold Pinter Festival', the China Publishing Group's Fifth 'Xiangshan Forum · Chongqing Summit the book release of 'My 30 Years with the pianist Lang Lang', and the 'South China Book Festival' hosted by Southern Weekly in 2014.
In honor of the ten-year anniversary of MBL, the London headquarters prepared a comprehensive report outlining the progress made over the past decade and future project plans. This report was submitted to both the International Charity Committee and MBL volunteers worldwide. We are immensely grateful for the unwavering commitment and dedication of every MBL volunteer. It is because of your tireless efforts that MBL has flourished and achieved remarkable growth. Thanks to you, Chinese adopted children who have received assistance from MBL can now embrace their cultural heritage with pride. Your contributions have made it possible for these children to connect with their roots and maintain a strong sense of identity. Moreover, because of your involvement, MBL has been able to provide support to left-behind children, ensuring they have access to essential resources such as books, stationery, and nurturing ideals and beliefs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Your dedication has made a difference, and we are truly thankful for your invaluable contributions.