On September 12th, I sat down with Zhou Xiaoni, a dedicated member of the overseas Chinese community from Tiantai, who passionately stressed the importance of including individuals with disabilities in our pursuit of common prosperity. “We cannot afford to leave people with disabilities behind. The ‘Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop’ in Tiantai is a groundbreaking initiative that blends charity with empowerment, motivating disabled individuals to stand tall and become self-reliant,” she shared.
Recently, Zhou made headlines with a generous donation of 200,000 yuan to the Tiantai County Disabled Persons’ Federation, marking the largest single contribution this year aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities in the region.
In addressing the numerous challenges that people with disabilities face, such as limited job opportunities and competitiveness in the workforce, the Tiantai County United Front Work Department and the Overseas Chinese Federation have tapped into resources from overseas businesses and returning students. They’re making it a priority to include disabled individuals in their “Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop,” offering personalized training and job prospects that align with their skills and circumstances. To date, more than 100 disabled individuals have secured employment through this initiative.
One particularly inspiring story is that of a deaf-mute woman we’ll call Hai Zhen. After a devastating accident left her family’s primary breadwinner unable to work, they found themselves on the verge of collapse. Just as hope was dwindling, the “Tongxin Filter Material – Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop” reached out to her with job opportunities.
Initially, Hai Zhen encountered difficulties in acquiring the necessary skills due to communication barriers. However, the workshop staff were proactive in teaching her basic sign language, which proved crucial for her training. With the support of her colleagues, she rapidly became skilled in sewing and now earns over 200 yuan a day, significantly improving her quality of life. In 2023, her daughter successfully secured a place at China Jiliang University, while her son gained admission to a prestigious local high school.
Looking ahead, Tiantai County is determined to expand the “Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop” to create even more job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. They are actively seeking participation from overseas Chinese, their families, and returning students in public welfare activities designed to assist this community. The county has plans to utilize its 15 “Homes for Disabled Persons” to further amplify this initiative.
A representative from the Tiantai County Overseas Chinese Federation expressed, “Through the ‘Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop,’ we aim to raise awareness and emphasize the significance of supporting disabled individuals. We want to foster a culture of assistance and warmth, injecting more ‘overseas Chinese energy’ into the movement for common prosperity.”
Additionally, to maximize the impact of charitable contributions from the overseas community, the Tiantai County Disabled Persons’ Federation is considering the creation of family member positions within the “Overseas Chinese Assistance Workshop.” Many disabled individuals rely on family members to provide care due to mobility challenges, and the county is exploring a “1+1” model that would allow disabled individuals to work alongside their caregivers, effectively addressing both employment and caregiving needs.
