Job Discussion Forums

Guest · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:43 pm Post subject: DUMMY SPIT! (or PACIFIER SPIT)

Hi everyone

I am a bit cheesed off at the moment because I am starting to see CORRUPTION at its finest in China I think.

When Sammie from the U.S.A. was staying here at the School with me prior to picking up her new Son, she mentioned that she had been asked to bring $3,000 U.S. IN CASH with her and take it to the Orphanage on her first visit. Because all these people usually pick up their adopted children in Nanjing, and never even get near the Orphanage, this is the first time I had heard about this. I was horrified as Sammie is a Single Mother and she had already paid out heaps to get her new 5 year old deaf Son!

The Director of the Orphanage has been there since it opened in 1984 - so 20 years now and I am just wondering about a few things now.

Now, with the Swedish Group who are arriving this Friday telling me that they have been denied access to the Orphanage also points to corruption. Apparently the Chinese Department, whoever they are spat the dummy because the Swedish group did not book their trip through them. They have now refused to grant them an Orphanage visit. I think kick backs are the obvious motivation, and it stinks. I am very annoyed and will do my utmost to get them through there this coming Saturday.

The four little girls who were adopted from there in 1994 deserve to see where they lived for the first year or so of their lives.

I had heard about corruption being rife in China, but now I think I am seeing it first hand.

johnslat · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:49 pm Post subject: Please be careful

Dear Rhonda,
With my rather jaundiced view of human nature, I'd say you're probably right about the corruption (By the way, what does "spit the dummy" mean? That's the first time I've ever run across that expression. Is it an Aussie-ism?).
Your indignation is merited, but I'll also advise you to tread lightly. The corrupt do not like anyone upsetting their well-feathered nests, and are usually prone to make those that do - or try to - pay a high price.
Regards,
John

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Guest · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 11:24 pm Post subject: DUMMY SPIT! (OR PACIFIER SPIT)

Yes is650 you are correct! JohnSlat - do not worry I will not tread on any toes as I can NEVER do or say anything that will see me get kicked out of the Orphanage.

Sometimes I think it is just as well that nobody at the Orphanage can understand English and I cannot speak Chinese as, being a woman, I may make the mistake of saying something on the spur of the moment which would get me into hot water. At least this way, I have time to cool off before returning to the Orphanage and I cannot get into trouble.

I have seen many things at the Orphanage that I do not agree with such as tying the kids into their cots, but I have just had to learn to live with it. I cannot change things that much - just have to do what I can to improve their lives in some small way.

I have now given about 10 of the older kids English names and given them each a book to write messages in. They will write a message to me on one week and I will reply to it in Chinese the following week. One of my Chinese teachers is unofficially my Secretary.