Summer News

September 2024

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As summer comes to an end and we embrace a new school year, I am delighted to share news and updates here. As the Foundation’s first year of operations, we have been working extra hard by focusing on developing the programs; and as always, fundraising continues to be challenging…..

The mission of the Ching Tien Foundation for Women is to empower young women from Asia to become leaders of tomorrow by providing global study and leadership training opportunities. Our scholarship recipients are expected to gain a global perspective and leadership skills.  The key is, upon graduation, each of our scholar is going to initiate a giving back project, which marks their first step to becoming leaders and changemakers.

If you are inspired by our mission and enjoyed what you learned in this newsletter, please make a financial contribution by clicking on the button below. Your support is deeply appreciated!

“Only two years ago, studying abroad was like an unreachable star in the sky. I can hardly believe that I’ve done it!”

In July 2024, Huiming Ma submitted her final thesis and graduated with a Master of Education degree from the University of British Columbia. Huiming is the first scholar of the Ching Tien Foundation’s Masters Program Scholarship.

Huiming is originally from Gansu, China, and her undergraduate study was sponsored by EGRC. During her seven years of working as an early childhood educator in Beijing she actively volunteered for EGRC. More impressively, after she arrived in Canada in 2022, besides studying, Huiming devoted over 300 hours of her time as a volunteer to help the Foundation’s development.

“The journey of studying in Canada has profoundly transformed me and my perspective of the world. I have immersed myself in a new culture, experienced the Western education system, expanded my knowledge, learning to think independently and critically. I made friends from diverse backgrounds, and further discovered myself. On top of the scholarship provided, the support, guidance, and encouragement from Ching Tien and the Foundation have illuminated my future. Now, I am eager to pass on the values and knowledge I’ve gained to benefit others.” I particularly want to acknowledge Dr. Joan Shaw, my academic tutor, for her expertise, patience and countless hours put in to help my academic study and guide me to success”.

From Megan Domenichelli – Director at Global Learning and Language Centre, Royal Roads University

“It has been a tremendous pleasure to host six students from the Ching Tien Foundation for Women in our Summer Leadership Academy at the Global Learning and Language Centre (RRU). These young women brought unique perspectives to their classes, demonstrating compassion, perseverance in the face of challenges, and a genuine openness to other cultures. They are true leaders who exemplify the power of women to effect positive change. Empowered and inspiring, they leave the program stronger than when they began, ready to make a meaningful difference in the world. They embody the spirit of the program, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to meet them”.

Meet the Participants

Jiazhi Wu – Graduated in 2024 from Shangdong University of Technology & Economics, Shandong China

On this trip I experienced many “firsts”. It was my first plane ride, first time to meet Ching Tien in person, first time exposed to a different culture by staying with a Canadian family, first time I challenged myself by taking risk at outdoor activities, and first time experienced the Canadian way of learning…. Most importantly I was encouraged to provide my thoughts and opinions in classroom. It was FUN! I found myself being more outgoing, expressive, and over all more confident. It was an experience I will never forget.

Jie Ma – Graduated in 2024 from Sias University, Henan, China

The four-week course at RRU was about “leadership”. I gained a deeper understanding about leadership and was more inspired by the learning of self-leadership. Self-leadership is about exploring and gaining a deeper understanding of yourself – your own character, strengths, values and goals. This is what the teacher called “core skill” and is the first step to take to become a leader.

I am impressed with Canadian values of diversity and inclusivity. Now, they have become my own values. I am motived to visit other parts of the world in the future.

Xinyu Zhang – Senior Student at Luoyang Normal University, Henan, China

A month in Canada was a life changing experience. This experience made me to realize that – life is not a railway track, which one can only follow in a fixed direction, life has unlimited possibilities. I met many new friends here. I became more expressive, and I am no longer afraid of being judged and criticized. Now I am determined to follow my heart and create my future. I can’t express enough of my gratitude to the Ching Tien Foundation to provide this precious opportunity.

Xue Peng – Senior Student at Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics, Zhejiang, China

My biggest gain from this leaning experience is a deeper understanding and acceptance of myself.  Over the past decade I often felt worthless and unloved, which led me to constantly doubt myself. However, my experience in Canada helped me discover different values and possibilities. I could relax (never experienced before) and enjoy the beach and lake on weekdays without feeling guilty. My homestay family David and Leah encouraged me and made me feel valued. Teacher Wendy and my classmates always noticed me and praised me. The genuine love, care and positive feedback made me feel worthy. Of course, the time spent with Auntie Tien was heartwarming.  In the future, I want to do more for others just like Ching Tien.

Haixia Wang – Senior Student at Xian University of International Studies, Xian, China

I imagine many years later I will look back on this morning, when Auntie Tien, just like a mother, brought her children to the beach for a picnic. We sat around a table comfortably and took turns sharing our stories. Auntie Tien was always touched by our stories. That morning, we were surrounded by love, tears and laughter.  

Since I had connected with EGRC and the Foundation, I am slowly finding my own direction. I know one day; I can proudly say that this once little sapling has grown up and can also provide shelter for others.

Wenjing Ma – Graduated in 2024 from Anqing Normal University, Anhui, China

I felt I was surrounded by love! The love from Ching, RRU teachers and fellow students, my homestay family, and even taking the bus every day was a friendly experience. The bus drivers always smiled and said Hello.

My homestay family took me as one of their family members. I was invited not only to join their family gathering, but they also introduced me to their neighbors and friends.

I first met Ching when I was an EGRC-sponsored high school student. Seven years later I was so excited to see Ching again in Vancouver.

All of the Summer Leadership Program participants are inspired to create and execute their own giving back project after returning home. We will keep you posted on their progress!

On July 27, all of the RRU summer program participants, the Foundation’s local volunteers and Huiming Ma, in the company of local Afghan young women, took part in this one-day Leadership Forum.

This event was led by Ching Tien and Ashleigh Au, Executive Director of the Foundation. The day-long event focused on EGRC’s history and success, further learning the mission of the Ching Tien Foundation, personal experience sharing, and developing the mindset, knowledge and skills for leadership and giving back.

Jerrie Ueberle, Founder of the World Academy for the Future of Women, and Jessie Huang, the Foundation’s scholar studying in the UK, joined the event remotely.