Wang Yongchen turned 70 two days after she was interviewed for an oral philanthropy history project. Renowned, she has worn many hats: environmental activist, reporter with China National Radio, convenor of the environmental social organisation Green Earth Volunteers, a founding member of the Ten-Year Action Plan for Our Rivers, and author of several books on environmental issues. Within all these roles are important pointers for tracing the trajectory of environmental protection in China.
In her early 60s, Wang Yongchen returned to Yongquan Zhuang, her mother's home village in Hebei Province. Wanting to participate in the community's development, she began a new chapter in philanthropy. Her recent portfolio of actions includes setting up village libraries, building a local wetland park, mobilising villagers to restore the forest, clearing rubbish, organising summer camps for children, and teaching children writing skills. By putting words into action, Wang Yongchen has been influencing many young people to follow suit.
Noted environmentalist Wang Yongchen during the interview in the Philanthropic Oral History Project.
The oral history project is led by Beijing Jiye Evergreen Social Organisation Service Centre (Jiye Evergreen). The objective: to encourage and train young people to participate in the collection of oral histories from forerunners in the field, and to learn from their altruistic spirit, perseverance and diligence. The youth were involved in the entire process. From formulating questions, collecting data, and compiling information to identifying benchmark cases and weaving personal stories, they have been active learners of philanthropy, history and social development. The participants were reminded not to lose sight of the trajectory of the sector's development nor the macro background behind the people's actions.
Social science scholar Guo Hong joined the philanthropic sector in 1999. She helped found several social organisations, integrating her research on social development into philanthropic work. Her interview took nine hours. She and the interviewers traced the origins of her social consciousness, starting from her childhood love of reading to passions for academia and philanthropy. Guo Hong's research interests evolved alongside China's social development, from the emergence of rural migrant workers to corporate social responsibility (CSR), community participation in social administration and social organisation development. Cutting across all her work has been people-centred and public-participation principles. After the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, when Guo Hong helped establish the 512 Relief Services Centre, she has given more time and energy to philanthropic engagement. Whatever her position or task, she insists on the importance of holding true to core values of philanthropic work: this deeply inspired the interviewers. Guo Hong's interviewer wrote, "I have experienced the power and depth of oral history through dialogue with Guo Hong. It was not just about recording history, buta transmission of affection and wisdom. This encounter made me more determined in my pursuit of philanthropic work."
Guo Hong (left) being interviewed in the oral history project.
The effects of the project are two-fold. Wang Yongchen had the idea of conducting oral history in her village, and involved locals to reflect on the future of their community. She also made special efforts to invite students from her village to sit in on the interview. After the interview, she donated 40 years of historical Green Earth Volunteers records — including her own environmental protection journal — to the Chang Qing Documentary Archive, set up in Beijing by Jiye Evergreen and partners.
Head librarian Li Chao took part in most of the interviews. He was as touched as the youth were. His ideas about the values, position and direction of the library have crystallised: in reviewing history, the past, present and future are connected. Jiye Evergreen's collection of stories of Wang Yongchen and Guo Hong is not only for the sake of keeping records. It unfolds insights for youth to fully understand the nature of social development.
* Excerpted from Biennial Report 2023-2025