Liuzhou Weather
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Danwei Model Worker Award
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Girl in the dark - parts 1 and 2
Part 1
A rather grim story hit the headlines yesterday, here in Liuzhou.
The girl was kept inside the old woman’s home and never allowed out. The room had no water, electricity or lavatory facilities. Neighbours finally found her last week, where she was living among the rubbish piled all over the building. Now around 20 years old, she is unable to bear sunlight or to even stand up. She permanently crouches “as if hiding.” All she says is “Father, I was wrong,” over and over again.
Both the old woman and the girl are now being treated in hospital.
Before being shipped off to hospital, the press and media were invited to come and stare at the poor misfortunate, as were the local citizens. There is no privacy in China.
(I've been mulling over whether or not to post this at all. Of course, I am invading her privacy just as much as anyone else by disseminating these pictures. However, now that they are out there anyway, perhaps it is useful to shed light on an area of China which is seldom discussed - the devastating effect of mental illness and the way it often goes untreated. There is still a huge stigma attached to mental illness here. )
The original story (with more pictures) can be seen here, here and here (Chinese PDF files).
PART ２
This story has, perhaps not surprisingly, really grabbed the locals' attention. Today's paper continues by showing the girl being carried to a waiting ambulance still in that foetal position and then later, sitting on her hospital bed.
Despite my reservations about her lack of privacy, it is sometimes the case here that the publicity leads to donations being made to cover medical and other fees. Remember, there is no free health care here in socialist heaven. So maybe the publicity can help her. Let's hope so.
Wow, I'm at loss for words. Here in Ohio, there was a 2-3 year of some kids
lock in dog cages.
Sure, sad to say, things like this don't only happen in China. But it's a
shock to find it on your doorstep, so to speak.
I may steal parts of this one. (properly noted)
Feel free. After all, I stole it, too!
How can one help this young lady? Is there some way of donating to some
fund so that she actually will get the benefit of a donation?
I am trying to find out if there is any such fund or who is actually
responsible for the girl's welfare. I will let you know if I get anywhere.
THANK YOU.
I AM ALSO TRYINGTO SET UP/GET INFORMATION ABOUT A FUND FROM A BEIJING
CONTACT.
Slight Update:
Todays' paper reports that Xiao Mei was moved yesterday to a General
Hospital in Liuzhou where she is being treated and give physiotherapy.
Liuzhou Civil Administration Dept are paying her medical fees and ¥1,900
($256, £125, €173) has been donated by hospital staff for her food etc. One
member of staff has been appointed to administer this money.
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