THE STORY BEHIND WORLD VISION
World Vision's journey began with a simple act of compassion that would grow into a global movement of hope.
World Vision's founder, Dr. Bob Pierce, was a journalist and a committed Christian. In 1947, while visiting Xiamen, China, he met a young girl named Baiyu who had been abandoned by her parents. Moved by compassion, he gave the only five dollars he had to support her daily needs and promised to send five dollars every month thereafter. What seemed like a small act of kindness not only transformed Baiyu's life, but also became the inspiration for what would later develop into the Child Sponsorship Program.
Dr. Pierce later traveled to war-torn Korea, where he wrote a prayer that would become widely known:
"Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God."
This simple yet profound prayer captured his desire to respond to the suffering he witnessed and became the guiding principle behind his commitment to serve vulnerable children affected by war and poverty.
In 1950, Dr. Bob Pierce officially founded World Vision. What began as one act of compassion grew into a global humanitarian organization. Today, World Vision serves vulnerable children, families and communities in nearly 100 countries and regions through the dedication of more than 31,000 staff members.
OUR VISION
Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness.
Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so.
This vision continues to guide World Vision's work around the world, including in the Chinese Mainland, where the organization has partnered with communities for decades to support children's well-being and sustainable development.
GROWING TOGETHER WITH COMMUNITIES IN THE CHINESE MAINLAND
For more than 40 years, World Vision China has worked alongside local communities, government partners, civil society organizations, academic institutions, donors and other stakeholders to respond to emergencies, improve children's well-being, and strengthen community resilience. The milestones below highlight key moments in this journey.
Major Milestones of World Vision China
1950: Dr. Bob Pierce founded World Vision.
1962: In response to Typhoon Wanda, World Vision began relief work in Hong Kong and later opened its first office.
1982: World Vision Hong Kong participated in Qinghai flood relief, laying the foundation for future work in the Chinese Mainland.
1993: The World Vision China Office was formally established.
1997: World Vision launched its first child-focused Area Development Program (ADP) in the Chinese Mainland.
2008: World Vision participated in emergency relief and post-earthquake reconstruction following the Wenchuan Earthquake in Sichuan Province.
2017: Registered as World Vision China Foundation Limited and established representative offices in multiple provinces and municipalities across the Chinese Mainland.
TRANFORMING LIVES, STRENGTENING COMMUNITIES
Over the years, World Vision China's work has spanned multiple areas essential to children's well-being and sustainable community development. Key areas of impact include:
- Expanded access to quality education for children in underserved areas
- Improved healthcare and nutrition for children
- Increased access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene
- Enhanced household livelihoods and community resilience
- Strengthened child protection and awareness of children's rights
- Improved access to rehabilitation and support services for children with disabilities
- Delivered emergency relief and supported long-term recovery following disasters and crises
- Built local capacity through leadership development and volunteer engagement
LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
World Vision China is guided by local leadership and governance that provide strategic direction, accountability and oversight. We are honored to be supported by a distinguished Board of Directors whose expertise and commitment help advance our mission and strengthen our impact.
World Vision China Foundation Limited Board Members
Mr. Kah-on YAP (Chair)
Mr. Patrick Tak-kuen NIP (Vice Chair)
Ms. Catherine Wai-yin TSANG (Vice Chair)
Dr. Stephen Ka-leung MO (Honorary Treasurer)
Mr. Hank Ming-han DU
Ms. Blanche Kwan-yee LO
Prof. Daniel Tan-lei SHEK
Prof. Joshua Li SHEN
Ms. Natalie YEUNG