On October 10, 2025, World Vision, an international organization committed to child-focused relief, development, and advocacy, issued a series of articles marking its 75th anniversary.
In one of the articles titled "75 Years of Hope: I Felt That Was Hope," World Vision reflected on the moment 75 years ago when its founder, Bob Pierce, planted the seeds of hope.
According to the article, in 1947, Pierce visited China and met a destitute little girl named Bai Yu in Xiamen, Fujian. Moved by her situation, he gave her his last five dollars to provide food and clothing and promised to send the same amount every month to support her growth. That encounter, which deeply changed his life, later inspired him to establish World Vision three years later, bringing lasting transformation to countless lives.
The article further noted that World Vision's work in mainland China began with its involvement in the Qinghai flood relief efforts in 1982. In 1993, World Vision China was officially established and has since continued to expand its community development and humanitarian projects across the country. The organization has focused on supporting vulnerable groups, including left-behind children, migrant children, children with disabilities, and those affected by natural disasters.
One beneficiary, 18-year-old college student Shanshan, was among the first participants in the Guangdong Migrant Children Project. Originally from northern Guangdong, she moved to Guangzhou during her preschool years to live and study with her migrant worker parents. The sudden transition from her hometown to an unfamiliar and diverse urban community left the introverted Shanshan feeling isolated. For her, the project became more than just an activity center filled with toys; it was a place where she built friendships and gradually gained confidence. Although she later left Guangzhou for academic reasons, Shanshan continued to volunteer in community activities during her school breaks. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, "This project provides children who lack companionship with a safe place to play, helps them make friends, and offers a meaningful platform for growth. I've received so much support and warmth from it. If I had to use one word to describe this project, it would be 'hope.'"
Since its launch in Liwan District, Guangzhou, in 2013, the Guangdong Migrant Children Project has reached more than 100,000 children like Shanshan and their parents. By 2024, World Vision had served 335 million vulnerable children worldwide.
World Vision, founded in 1950, is a child-focused international relief, development, and advocacy organization. Its Hong Kong office was established after responding to Typhoon Wanda in 1962. In 1993, World Vision China was formed to expand poverty alleviation and development work in the country. To comply with China's 2017 law on overseas NGOs, it was officially registered as World Vision China Foundation Limited.
"Shanshan" is a pseudonym for security reasons.
- Translated by Poppy Chan
