“The only character to describe migrant workers is nan,” he said, tracing in even strokes the Chinese character for “difficult, not good” into his palm. “If we stay, it’s hard. If we go, it’s hard. Sure, this life has always been this way. But it’s especially tough now.”

Lauren Keane of  Washington Post Foreign Service Desk wrote a very poignant piece on the plight of millions of migrant workers in China as the country’s manufacturing base contracts in the light of the world economic crisis. The article focused on one man and his son and their uncertain journey back home.  Go to the link below to read more.

Chinese Migrants Return to Rural Roots

Washington Post

Tags: bricks, capitalism, news, poverty

Brick 8’s Song Shu Bio Gas Project has already started with a pilot scheme of 14 biogas digesters, which have been tested and already distributed to 14 families in Song Shu Village, all thanks to the generosity of Brick 8’s donors.

As the coming winter season approaches, the need for a cheaper source of supplementary energy source for heating and cooking increases. Song Shu Parish is planning to build another 40 digesters for 40 families in Song Shu Village.  They are hoping to have these digesters distributed  before Christmas.

With your help and support,  the families of Song Shu Village will have sustainable, efficient and cost effective source of energy.

If you are interested in helping this project, please go this link.

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Tags: bricks, environment, Gansu, rural communities, updates