China Daily (Hong Kong)

In this world, a little kindness goes a long way

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When I heard Claire’s beautiful soprano voice echoing in London’s Rudolf Steiner House music hall, I was almost moved to tears.

Bright sunlight shone through big glass windows, illuminati­ng her confident face and elegant black and beige lace dress.

She was a star.

But Claire did not always live the life of a star. She was born on the autistic spectrum and there was a time when she would only sing in the shower.

What changed her life is the support she received from the Music of Life Foundation, a small London charity that gives music lessons

This Day, That Year

Item from Aug 14, 1981, in China Daily: “Energy is a global problem, the solution to which requires the concerted action of the internatio­nal community,” said Wu Heng, head of the Chinese delegation to the United Nations Conference on New and Renewable Sources of Energy, in his speech at the plenary meeting.

Over the past few years, China has emerged as a global leader in clean energy, as the country tries to reduce fuel consumptio­n, which causes local air pollution problems and contribute­s to global warming. to children with special needs to encourage them to become confident members of society.

While I sat in the audience to hear the performanc­e of Claire and her friends, I reflected on the work I had done for the charity and the powerful emotional connection with British society this experience has given me.

It helped me feel intimately connected with the local community and made me see a part of British society that I would not have otherwise come across either through my university studies or my work in journalism.

I saw a less privileged part of British society, which was characteri­zed by strong emotional bonds and encouragem­ent.

Within this world, even a little kindness and contributi­on

The country planned to invest 2.5 trillion yuan ($375 billion) in clean and renewable energy by 2020 to raise the nonfossil fuel component of total energy consumptio­n to more than 15 percent, and the share of natural gas to 10 percent from 8 percent, according to the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20).

The plan set the annual target for clean and renewable energy consumptio­n at 580 million metric tons of standard coal equivalent.

It leads to greater cooperatio­n in clean energy between China and the world. goes a long way in making a difference.

My journey with the charity started simply.

In 2013 I participat­ed in a half-marathon, fundraisin­g for the charity, following the recommenda­tion of a friend who was a trustee.

The run made me really curious about the charity, and I got in touch with its CEO, Maria Teterina, to see if I could do more.

At our first meeting, I was overwhelme­d by Maria’s personal warmth, dedication and vision. As someone with little experience working with disabled children, I for a moment doubted what my contributi­on could be, but Maria looked me in the eye and assured me that the charity was lucky to have me.

Starting from small steps, I organized the charity’s halfmarath­on team. Having

This month, the ChinaAfric­a Renewable Energy Cooperatio­n and Innovation Alliance was establishe­d in Beijing to boost cooperatio­n between China and Africa on clean energy.

According to a sustainabl­e developmen­t plan, the alliance will help establish power supplies and transmissi­on systems in Africa through public-private partnershi­ps. done the run myself, I was able to give other runners practical training and fundraisin­g advice.

For the last three years we organized a team of 15 runners to participat­e in London’s Royal Parks Half Marathon.

Last year we raised 8,844 pounds ($11,530), which translates to weeks and months of music lessons for children like Claire.

Such an achievemen­t made me feel proud and touched.

I was amazed by how I was able to contribute toward a great cause, by doing a few very manageable tasks, and in the process feel a part of a supported and loving community.

Contact the writer at cecily.liu@ mail.chinadaily­uk.com

Last month in the South China Sea, China completed a 60-day trial in mining gas hydrate, commonly known as combustibl­e ice.

The trial marked a breakthrou­gh in the search for alternativ­e clean energy resources.

 ?? PREDRAG VUCKOVIC/ REUTERS ?? A scuba diver is enveloped by schools of silverside­s in the Devil’s Grotto area near George Town, Cayman Islands.
PREDRAG VUCKOVIC/ REUTERS A scuba diver is enveloped by schools of silverside­s in the Devil’s Grotto area near George Town, Cayman Islands.
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 ??  ?? Cecily Liu Second Thoughts
Cecily Liu Second Thoughts

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