Beijing Hui Ling

Community Services for People with Learning Disabilities

Hui Ling – Intelligent Spirit

Hui Ling is a local, unique, community-based, non-profit, non-government organisation (NGO) serving the mentally disabled.  It is truly a community based organizing, breaking away from traditional institutional care.

Vision

Hui Ling’s vision is equal opportunity for the mentally disabled to aid in their contribution to the community and share in the benefits with the community.

Mission

Hui Ling’s mission is to improve the quality of the lives of the mentally disabled and their families.   In addition, we seek to establish a model of community-based, client-centered services that are replicable throughout China.

History

Hui Ling was first established in 1990 in Guangzhou by Ms Meng Weina, a pioneer in the NGO field, and Mr Fernando Cagnin. In April 2000, Beijing Hui Ling (BJHL) was co-founded by Ms Meng and Jane Pierini, a British social worker from Hong Kong.

From 2002 to 2006, Ms .Meng has established branches in Xi’an, Xining, Tianjin,chongqing,hunan and Qingyuan.

Activities

Activities are aimed at facilitating trainees’ independence within the local community and improving their life skills.  Daily activities include arts and crafts, music class, athletics, and life skills.  Weekly field trips are taken to nearby libraries, youth centres, elderly centres, sports grounds, and local markets to both connect them with the community and enhance their independent living skills.

Training Centres

The ‘Three Primary Colours’ workshop provides professional training and employment opportunities to trainees who produces a range of arts and crafts items, such as gifts, cards  and calendars. They gain vocational skills and a sense of self worth as well as wages for their work. Profits from the sales cover the cost of the materials and the salary of the trainees.

Family Group Homes
BJHL rents apartments where a housemother or father provides family style care for up to six residents whose parents would otherwise not be able to care for them.

Staff
Currently, BJHL has 20 staff spread over six locations serving a total of 50 trainees ranging in age from 16 to 45. In addition, Hui Ling relies on qualified volunteers and parents of trainees for support, sustainable development and to guarantee the quality of our service.
Projects
As a grassroots NGO in China, BJHL is dependent on help from the community in the form of volunteers, employees, as well as funds and donations from individuals, organisations, and companies. Our current

projects include

One-on-One Sponsorship: This year we have raised our service fee due to the increased cost of living.  As a result, some of our trainees’ families have difficulty affording the price increase. Sponsoring a trainee is one way you can contribute to Hui Ling.

Wish list: Hui Ling is always in need of basic items such as: office supplies, games, furniture, and kitchen wares. Donations are great!

How to get involved: Our services are continually developing and various proposals are in the works. These include:    staff and program development, fundraising, community outreach, and event planning. To find out how you can help, please contact us!