LETTERS

Lin Zhixins devotion to charity is a touching story. It is good to know that many benevolent people are contributing to Lins charity projects. Transparency is the key to Lins success； without it， charities quickly lose public credibility. Certain governmental charities in China are currently grappling with a public trust crisis following recent scandals. Some are accused of misusing funds， others embezzled donations to invest in real-estate companies. These scandals tarnish the image of governmental charities and put off donors. Many people want to help the needy， but hesitate because they do not know how their money will be used. Government charities badly need to regain social trust.

Liu Si

Chengdu， Sichuan Province， China

I wish to express my condolences to the Chinese people suffering from the earthquake in Yunnan Province， which has taken hundreds of lives. I offer up all my prayers to them and their families， friends and countrymen. As always， China is in my heart.

Fernando Acosta Riveros

Mexico

I have always dreamed of traveling to Africa. I was enchanted by the thought of exploring that magic continent， but my family always tries to talk me out of going. Their main impressions of Africa are of poverty， war， disease and danger. These are the same negative stereotypes discussed in the article “In Love with Africa.” Nevertheless， the article also shed fresh light on the continent， giving us a remarkable new perspective on Africa. Li Lings love for the continent is vividly portrayed， and her breathtaking accounts of the starry night in Arusha and the astonishing Serengeti Plains make me want to pack my bags for Africa immediately.

Peng Xin

Shanghai， China

Owing to rampant pollution， environmental problems are serious all over the world. The air pollution in Beijing， Tokyo， Mexico City and other urban centers is severe. But with active governmental involvement， these problems can be alleviated. All people and governments of the world should unite and jointly tackle environmental problems to reduce them to a minimum. In this way， we can protect our planet and improve the lives of people today and in the future.

Oscar Gutiérrez Castillo

Venezuela

My son has been studying in the U.S. for two years. He often tells me that most Chinese students including him are highly infl uenced by an exam-oriented education system that restricts youngsterslearning ability. In his class， Chinese students are usually restrained while Western students are active in putting forward questions and discussing with teachers. Chinese students dare not challenge textbooks or teachers and seldom think “outside the box.” In China， students focus wholly on academic performance and they are used to passively accepting teachers directions. I hope the refreshing idea of ESD（Education for Sustainable Development） will bring about changes to the existing education system in China. The younger generation must develop sustainable learning skills like critical thinking and innovation as they face an increasingly complex future.

Liu Wei

Beijing， China