Soong Ching Ling and China Soong Ching Ling Foundation

Soong Ching Ling (SCL), the late Honorary President of the People's Republic of China, was born on January 27, 1893 in Shanghai into a family originated from Wenchang City, Hainan Province. Having graduated from Wesleyan College of the United States in 1913, she began to follow Dr. Sun Yat-sen and devoted herself to the cause of the Chinese Democratic Revolution (CDR). For the success of CDR, the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan and the founding of the People's Republic of China, she had made great contributions in the whole period of the Northern Expedition, the War of Resistance Against Japan and the China's War of Liberation.

After the founding of new China, SCL, as one of the important State leaders, in dealing with both home and international affairs, had made untiring efforts to safeguard world peace, strive for social progress and prosperity of mankind, enhance the mutual understanding, strengthen people-to-people friendly relations with foreign countries, protect the rights and interests of women, develop children's culture, education, social welfare, and promote the reunification of Motherland. Because of her great contributions, she was highly respected and acknowledged as one of the greatest women in the 20th century.

On May 29, 1981, SCL died of illness in Beijing. In memory of her, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) was established on May 29, 1982 in Beijing with the initiation and support from Senior State Leaders Deng Xiaoping, Liao Chengzhi and Kang Keqing.

Since the establishment, CSCLF, in accordance with its CHARTER and abided by the principle of open-door policy, has made great achievements in the areas of aid-to-education & poverty-alleviation, international exchanges, training of teachers, sports & health, popularization of science & technology and children's literature & arts etc. etc. with the support and assistance from individuals and institutions both at home and abroad. All these efforts have been well received in China and across the world as well.

In 1987, the Secretary-General of United Nations Javier Perez de Cuellar conferred a title of "Peace Messenger" on CSCLF for its notable contributions to the maintenance of world peace.

In 1997, the World Health Organization honored CSCLF with the "Tobacco or Health Commemorative Medal" for its outstanding contributions to the promotion of world health through the anti-tobacco campaign among children in China.

In 1999, the State Council bestowed a title of "Model Unit in National Unity and Progress" on CSCLF for its great contributions to the national unity and progress.

 In 2001, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and the State Planning Commission conferred the honor of "Model Unit in the National 'Double-basic' Education Endeavor" on CSCLF.

In order to further carry forward the unfinished work of SCL, the foundation will continue to consolidate its footing it has developed today and well prepare itself for the future, in exploring new areas and developing new models of partnership, in an effort to make CSCLF become an internationally known and one of the best institutions in China.

As in the past and today, the foundation will surely continue to appreciate your support and assistance in the future.