Fight for the Poor: Grassroots NGOs and Educational Assistance in China

Proceedings of ‏The 3rd International Conference on Future of Social Sciences

Year: 2021

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.33422/3rd.icfss.2021.03.120

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Fight for the Poor: Grassroots NGOs and Educational Assistance in China

Xinyu Wang

ABSTRACT: 

Local grassroots non-governmental organizations (NGOs) contribute to local governance in rural China. They are independent civil organizations and represent the power of common people who are aware of charity work. However, we know little about their functioning mechanics and existing problems about Chinese grassroots NGOs. This research focuses on local grassroots NGOs’ impact and effectiveness, examining Ganlin as a case (i.e. a local educational assistance organization in rural China). Through surveys and interviews, this paper evaluates the development of local NGOs in rural China. The findings show that grassroots NGOs in China lack talent, professionalism, and public participation. These problems result in a significant gap between the actions of grassroots NGOs and the real impacts on poor students. This paper provides practical methods related to each problem for NGOs to function better. In addition, it sheds light on future NGOs’ development in rural China and other developing countries.

Keywords: grassroots NGO, educational assistance, the structure of organizations, local politics in China.