Chi Heng Foundation

One of the many highlights from my trip to Sias was meeting Chung To, Founder of Chi Heng Foundation, a program for AIDS-impacted children. He spoke at the 6th International Women’s Symposium, highlighting the massive AIDS problem in central China, primarily caused by illegal blood selling.

Because of unsanitary practices, up to 1 million people are infected with AIDS in Henan province alone. The Chi Heng Foundation focuses on those children impacted by AIDS. They have lost their parents to the disease, and many of them have contracted HIV/AIDS themselves. Their program supports the placement of children locally and those living with relatives. Allowing the children to grow up in a familiar environment with other non-AIDS impacted children is invaluable in providing a sense of comfort and belonging.

At the Women’s Symposium, CHF brought 20 of the kids with them, encouraging them to aspire to college education. I count myself lucky that I got to hang out with them for an afternoon.

[See as slideshow]

If you’d like to learn more about Chi Heng Foundation, click here.