On August 23rd, around 50 members of the First Studying Camp of Youth Leaders across the Taiwan Straits (Chinese Mainland Camp) were accompanied to visit China Welfare Institute (CWI) for communications.

　　First, the members went to visit the Soong’s Former Residence located at No. 369, North Shannxi Road, Shanghai. With the detailed introduction of the guide, they showed keen interest in the two-storey house that was built in 1908. Looking at the precious pictures on the wall, the members enthusiastically asked how the three Soong sisters and their families lived here. In addition, they had pictures taken as a souvenir.

　　At the CWI Headquarters initiated by Soong Ching Ling, Wang Luning, Vice Chairwoman of CWI, gave a brief presentation of the Institute for the guests, ranging from the history of hardship and glory since the founding of the Institute in 1983 and the important role the Institute played in the past. Then, Vice Chairwoman Wang focused on the function, structure and work layout of CWI, as well as the development and progress made by the Institute in recent years. She also invited the guests to watch a feature program named “Soong Ching ling and China Welfare Institute”.

　　The members then talked with the representatives from the headquarters and grass-root offices of CWI. The lively communications and discussions covered various topics including the operation of CWI, diversified cultural education of children, volunteer services, funding sources, poverty-relief activities, and donation supervision, etc.

　　Jointly organized by China Education Association for International Exchange and Taiwan Eisenhower Foundation, the First Studying Camp of Youth Leaders across the Taiwan Straits (Chinese Mainland Camp) aims at fostering the youth leaders on both sides of the Taiwan Straits and promoting the understanding and friendship among them. The First Chinese Mainland Camp consisted of 30 students from 15 colleges and universities in Taiwan such as National Taiwan University, Chung Yuan Christian University, Tamkang University, National Cheng Kung University, Taipei University and National Sun Yat-Sen University, and 10 students from 5 universities in Chinese Mainland including Tsinghua University, Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing Normal University, Communication University of China and Beijing Language and Culture University. As the would-be elite in all walks of life in the future, the youth leaders will play a positive role in promoting the peaceful development of the Cross-Straits relations.

　　The two-week camp activity includes the visit to Beijing as the first stop and Shanghai as the second destination, followed by Shandong. Apart from the visits to the Palace Museum, China Unicom and Soong’s Former Residence, the members also attended the lectures given by celebrities from all walks of life.