Building a School

I'm on the board of an NGO (Non Governmental Organization) that is planning on building a school in Laixi, China, well to the north of Shanghai, near the coast.

Currently, the land is farmed by poor farmers. The government, in negotiating with my NGO, is willing to sell the land (or, more accurately, ground-lease for seventy years) to us for less than the current market-value, because they'd like to encourage a school to come in and add educational facilities. My NGO plan a school and a residential component, as housing for teachers and students, and villas for visitors and retirees in a pleasant environment. The money paid for the land goes to relocate the farmers.

I went to Laixi, and met with three city officials. I was treated extremely well. As I got off the train upon arrival, dressed in jeans, I was met by three city officials, all dressed in suits, a driver, and a van. They showed me around for the rest of the day and evening and half of Sunday. We discussed the NGO's plans, saw the city, and walked the land. I never ate so much in my life.

The NGO's progress has been stalled at the same phase for three years, and my visit seemed to ignite some new enthusiasm in the project. I'll keep you posted.