May 1998

31st May 1998

Trustee's visit to Hanyuan

Two of DORS charity trustees, Barbara and Derek Acock visited Hanyuan in May. Meetings were held with DORS partner organisation, the County Poverty Alleviation Office and County Government officials. Visits were made to Juetuo, Banyang and Sugu Villages. The trustees were pleased with the progress and the County Government promised to continue supporting DORS work in the County.

Shashu Village - Social and Community Forestry Project begins

A village group leader Mr Ye Long Jun approached DORS with plans to develop Chinese Prickly Ash bushes in Shashu Village. The seeds of the bush, known as Sichuan Pepper or huajiao, are sold as a cash crop. Huajiao is a key ingredient of many Sichuan dishes and one of Hanyuan County's main exports. Each household wishing to participate has been given approximately 300 saplings to plant on their agricultural land. In total 5,000 saplings were planted in April and a further 6,000 will be planted in the Autumn. The villagers of Shashu already grow some huajiao bushes but are keen to expand production and try new varieties. We have received further similar requests for buying saplings of fruit, nut and Chinese medicine trees which are currently under review.

DORS supported Drinking Water Supply project is still underway in the two parts of Shashu Village.

Shashu Villagers attend training session on maintenance of small hydro-electric generators

Shashu village is generating its own electricity, using about 15 small hydro-generators. DORS arranged a training session with the County Agricultural Machinery department to teach 4 of the village men how to operate, maintain and repair their machines to ensure maximum electricity generation. DORS also bought two sets of tools for the two parts of Shashu village for doing their own repairs. The participants, instructed by Mr. Tang reported that the two day training session was very useful.

Trace donation

Trace Foundation of New York have kindly agreed to support the expansion of the Women's Rural Credit Scheme. We are very grateful for this donation which will enable us to begin loan schemes in a further 2-3 villages.