On March 16th, hosted in China by ZTE, I attended the Opening Ceremony for Melbourne Hope School. It was a major event with Officials from China Youth Development Foundation, Provincial education leaders, party officials and the local and school community.
Conceived in 2008 the project was the financial beneficiary of a sponsored ride from Shanghai to Beijing by 12 Melbourne, Australia based cyclists.
CYDF partnered with Australian Volunteers International (AVI) and the local community to rebuild a primary school in, Rural China. The school currently has 524 enrolled students.
The rebuilding project included new classrooms, improved central play area and new toilet facilities.
The ceremony itself was a gala affair; Speeches, Red Scarf presentation, singing, flute ensemble, poetry reading, a fan dance and a presentation of an embroider FU, a symbol of good luck! The official party were then hosted to an amazing banquet!
I would like to thank all the sponsors and specfically ZTE, the fellow riders, CYDF, AVI and the Local and school community who all contributed uniquely to this important and impressive project. Thank you all.
