After first receiving the vision for Firm Foundations in 2001 Jill worked very hard for several years trying to register the training centre in Chengdu. After all attempts failed an opportunity came up in 2005 to open the training centre in nearby Nanchong. Jill then moved cities and spent the next two years finding, renovating and setting up the premises for the school.
Jill faced, and overcame, many obstacles along the way. A lot of effort went into designing the premises to be accessable for our students and provide them with a good learning and living space. Staff recruitment and training were major areas of development, but Jill also spent much time locating and screening student applicants, designing the curriculum and setting up operating policies. At the same time she was busy fundraising and networking to make this a viable project. Jill returned home to the UK in 2008 and has since resigned as Executive Director.
We are all extreemly grateful for the many years of sacrifical hard work that Jill has put into Firm Foundations! Without her labor of love there wouldn't be a Firm Foundations. Thank you Jill!
Jill
Last Update 04/09/2008
Sad news
It is with great sorrow that we announce that on the 29th of July at 8:37am our student, Peter (Sun Binchuan), passed away. He had been sick in hospital for some time with kidney disease and bad pressure sores. We miss him greatly, and our heartfelt prayers go out to his family at this time.
Sun Binchuan
Last Update 21/08/2008
We have purchased our Training Centre premises
In April 2008 we finally received the deeds to the land and property that our school is on! This was very exciting for us as now we have the stability of knowing that we can't be asked to leave with a month's notice any more, and all of our expensive renovations will remain in use for years to come. Thank you very much to all of our generous supporters for making this possible! We hope one day we can also purchase the student dormitory property and have equal stability there.
The deeds to our property and land
Last Update 21/08/2008
New Student
In February 2008 our latest student joined our student team.
Chen Faming joins our school
Last Update 03/08/2008
Opening Celebration
Our opening celebration took place on September 21st, 2007. It was a great day and we were delighted to welcome local officials and friends from many parts of the world.
The drumming ladies add a boisterous touch.
Mrs Pu and Peter ready to receive guests
The "hallelujah man" helps us celebrate!
Harry and Bob show the three wheeled bike to visitors
Kym was interviewed by reporters
Stephanie and Simon at your service!
Steven gives out our brochures
Toasting the officials
Reporters capture the speeches!
The district mayor looks at our displays
After lunch, visitors toured the dormitories
Firm Foundations board members
Last Update 03/08/2008
New students
Two more students joined us in September 2007, bringing our total to five. All of the current students are boys.
Wu Wen signs the contract with the training centre
Huang Chun Lin learns to clean
Last Update 03/08/2008
The training begins
Our first three students moved in and began study June 6th, 2007.
A great debt of thanks!
