YANGON, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Jackie Chan, famous film star and charity devotee, said on Saturday that the children represent the future and the whole community should extend loving care to them and attach importance to child education to help them grow up healthy and sound.
Chan made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon before he concluded his three-day tour to Myanmar in his capacity of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador on a mission of combatting child trafficking on July 5-7.
He arrived in the second largest city of Mandalay on Thursday, where he visited schools, vocational training centers and orphanage, before traveling to Yangon on Saturday.
Chan told Xinhua that he has been involved in charity work for the last 30 years and the work, which focused on school-less, disabled and drifting children in the past, is now expanding.
He said for the past eight years since becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he traveled to many parts of the world including trips made on his own arrangement, citing Myanmar, and the next trip may be to Afghanistan, preferably war-struck areas.
He said he will advocate for peace, telling the world that " Friends can be chosen but neighbors cannot."
He recalled the experience when he mingled with some Myanmar children.
"I introduced my own experience to them, encouraging them to receive education to protect themselves from being misled or cheated," Chan said.
During his trip, Chan received an overwhelming welcome and was greeted by excited children and hundreds of fans wherever he went.
Jackie Chan has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2004, using his prestige as a means of promoting humanitarian cause for the most disadvantaged children.
While Chan is a strong and dedicated advocate of child rights and welfare who, teenagers here say is a source of inspiration, Chan said he was inspired and deeply impressed by hundreds of young trafficking survivors for their optimism and determination to build a better life.
"The stories these children shared with me showed me once again that we need to do a better job protecting children, especially against the horrific crimes of trafficking," Jackie told a press briefing here before he wrapped up his Myanmar visit, citing 12- year-old boy, Zaw, who was trafficked to Malaysia to work as a beggar, and a girl, Mimi, who was sold by traffickers twice when she was 10 and again at 17.
He also called on the media to step up in exposing trafficking, while stressing the importance of education and border control to prevent child trafficking.
"We should provide more space for children to play, go and study while parents are away," he told the press.
Hollywood superstar Jackie Chan arrived on Thursday afternoon in Mandalay, the second largest city in Burma, where he will visit a rehabilitation center and other shelters where trafficked and street children and orphans stay, according to local sources. After landing at Mandalay Airport around 4:40 pm, Chan’s convoy went directly to a monastery in Mandalay where he was scheduled to meet children. It is the first time the Hong Kong-born actor has visited Burma. Acting as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, Chan will spend three days in the country where he will attend projects set up by the UN agency to support trafficked, traumatized and distressed children. He also plans to meet with officials of the Social Welfare Ministry and members of the Myanmar Police Anti-Trafficking Task Force in Mandalay. New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported in 2002 that there could be as many as 70,000 child soldiers within the Burmese army. Youngsters are often kidnapped on their way home from school, said the HRW. Ethnic rebels in Burma are also accused of using child soldiers. Lawyer Aye Myint, a leading labor activist in Pegu who works on child soldier cases, said that about 10,000 children have been released under his project over the past five to six years with the help of the International Labor Organization. About 100 cases, however, remained outstanding in 2011, he added. In addition to acting and working as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, the Hollywood star formed the Jackie Chan Charitable Organization in 1998, which, among other projects, offers scholarships to Hong Kong youths. Local sources said that many Mandalay residents are excited to meet and greet the Chinese superstar who is renowned as a martial arts expert, stuntman, actor and director. Mandalay is home to many thousands of Chinese.SOURCE: IRRAWADY.COM
YANGON - International action-film star and UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan is in Myanmar this week to help United Nations efforts to combat child trafficking in the country.
“Trafficking and exploiting children are horrific crimes. They leave lifelong scars and rob children of their childhoods,” Chan said. “Children are not for sale. For the sake the world’s children, we must work hard to stamp out these damaging and criminal practices.”
During his three-day visit, Chan will visit a vocational training center for trafficked children who have managed to return to their homes but are in need of special care and support. He will also travel to Unicef-supported projects assisting children at risk of being trafficked, including those without parental care and children who are living and working on the street.
According to Unicef, every year some 1.2 million children are trafficked worldwide. Trafficking, which represents a multimillion-dollar enterprise, exposes children to physical violence, sexual abuse, and grave emotional distress.
Trafficking is also closely linked to migration, the agency notes. Tens of millions of people migrate for work within their own countries and across borders in the region. When they are far away from their homes and support systems, families – especially children – face an increased risk of being trafficked.
While in Myanmar, Chan will discuss how to effectively combat trafficking with Myanmar’s Ministry of Social Welfare and with members of its anti-trafficking police task force.
“It is very important that young people know how to protect themselves,” said Chan. “Simple things, like knowing not to trust anyone who promises you a dream job in another country; never going to an unknown place alone; knowing your parents’ and your own full name and age; and being able to explain where you live, help children guard against traffickers.”
Chan has been a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador since 2004.
Jackie Chan fighting child trafficking in Myanmar
Action man Jackie Chan is putting up a fight against child trafficking by jetting to Myanmar this week to advocate for human rights.
The Rush Hour star and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador will travel to Mandalay for three days to discuss the increased need for lawmakers and politicians to crack down on the multi-billion dollar enterprise and beef up police task forces across the nation.
A statement from Chan reads: “Trafficking and exploiting children are horrific crimes. They leave lifelong scars and rob children of their childhoods. Children are not for sale. For the sake (of) the world’s children, we must work hard to stamp out these damaging and criminal practices.”
World-famous martial arts expert Chan will also meet with kids in a bid to teach them important survival techniques, adding, “It is very important that young people know how to protect themselves.
“Simple things, like knowing not to trust anyone who promises you a dream job in another country; never going to an unknown place alone; knowing your parents’ and your own full name and age, and being able to explain where you live, help children guard against traffickers.”
And local UNICEF representative Ramesh Shrestha is grateful the Hollywood star is taking a stand, adding, “Jackie Chan is hugely popular in Myanmar and he is a strong and dedicated advocate of child rights. Children and teenagers are inspired by his martial arts skills, bravery, adventure and humour. He will be a source of inspiration and encouragement.”
International superstar and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan touched down in Myanmar today and will meet young people who are overcoming huge obstacles.
In a vocational center he will see how young trafficking survivors are learning new skills and building a life for themselves after being sold, exploited and forced to leave their homes.
He will travel to a residential care facility which is home to children who do not have parents and children who have been forced to live and work on the streets.
Jackie has been travelling around the world for UNICEF since 2004, when he was appointed as an international Goodwill Ambassador. In Myanmar he will deliver powerful messages to the young people on how they can protect themselves against exploitation and abuse.
What Jackie doesn’t know yet is that the young people have prepared a martial arts show for him and will invite him to show off some moves himself. We will get some good photos for you!
You can follow our updates on Jackie’s trip here on Facebook or on Twitter by searching for #Jackie4Kids
PS: Less than one per cent of Myanmar’s population has access to the Internet!
Our UNICEF staff on the ground will be working hard to find Internet spots and post updates to you, but they will come in a little delayed.
It was said that the Jade Emperor was originally the crown prince of the kingdom of Pure Felicity and Majestic Heavenly Lights and Ornaments. At birth, he emitted a wondrous light that filled the entire kingdom. When he was young, he was kind, intelligent and wise. He devoted his entire childhood to helping the needy (the poor and suffering, the deserted and single, the hungry and disabled). Furthermore, he showed respect and benevolence to both men and creatures. After his father died, he ascended the throne. He made sure that everyone in his kingdom found peace and contentment. And because of this he is honored today on the eighth day of Spring Festival.SOURCE: THEAIDWORKER.COM
Tradition today dictates that families host dinner on the eve of his birthday which also marks the end of the holiday season. This dinner signals the end of the holidays and the return to work. Also, traditionally, employers host a lunch for their workers on this day. And, as it was when I was a UNICEF Director in Hong Kong, I hosted a very special event for our team’s volunteers… a group of older women.
It is here the story begins….
My term with UNICEF was work that required me to be both be in the field and in the headquarters office. I traveled between the two locations. As a Director of this most visible nonprofit in Hong Kong in the 1980’s there were lots of perks. One was that I was able to make dreams come true for local people who had few treasures: I took great pleasure in helping those who helped UNICEF.
Building voluntary systems has become one of my areas of expertise. And, at the United Nations I was responsible for building systems that allowed anyone with any skill level to be a part of the building of programs for children and mothers in the Greater China Region.
It was necessary to allow people with limited or no English to participate. And, I found that the older women, ages 50-80, were the single best volunteers I had working with my professional team, even when they did not speak English except ‘HELLO and GOODBYE’. These women valued their time away from their tiny homes, and was ever so thankful to have a safe and comfortable place to gather, to gossip and laugh freely in. And, they were willing to come a few hours a day to do such chores as shelving greeting cards, packing boxes, cutting letters, drawing signs and a wide variety of other tasks. They never complained, they were happy with tea and biscuits, and they were dependable, efficient, and hospitable at all times.
After two years of hard work, my daily team of about 35 volunteers deserved something very special: And, I had a plan after listening to my staff tells me stories about these womens' tales in life. I found out that each and every one of my volunteers wished to meet KungFu Master and Hong Kong‘s most famous actor, Jackie Chan. So, I knew what I had to do. I had to bring them to Jackie… I would surprise them with a trip to the New Territories to his set on location after our traditional Chinese New Year’s Feast.
The day was absolutely a beautiful Chinese New Years 1990. Little humidity, no rain, and clear blue skies…. The ladies knew they were going to a great lunch. That was tradition always looked forward to. But, they knew nothing else. So when we boarded the bus back to the office and the bus detoured the women were confused. It is then that we told them we had a bigger surprise, especially planned for them. Someone was waiting to meet them.
If anyone had an inkling of who this person was, they did not risk saying for embarrassment. They did not want us to lose face, if they were wrong. So they excitedly chattered with my team the next 15 minute ride across the harbor tunnel.
When the bus stopped the women voices hit the highest tones… screams of excitement (Cantonese are normally noisy but the noise and squeels from the women were loader than a symphony on this particular day).
They saw him.
Standing.
Waiting.
Smiling in his martial arts outfit.
There to greet them by first name was Mr. CHAN. ==== UNICEF’s ambassador.
He acknowledged them each individually as they exited the bus, and again in a ceremony with gifts. He called their names and presented them with signed pictures of thanks —-their names individually inscribed. This presentation done before he had to go back to continue his shooting of the film……
And, they were so excited by his presence that they sat for two more hours watching scene after scene being filmed…..quietly without a murmur. Just in wonder and surprise.
On the way home there was not one woman who had not shed a tear of joy for that experience. For who in the world ever gets to meet Jackie Chan … the most famous actor of that time. Simple women, from housing (section 8 style housing) were the last in line.
But Jackie made each and every woman feel like a Queen for the Day!
For me, I have never forgotten the sound or the look of excitement on these wonderful volunteers faces. To see these women so excited for such a easy gift to give ( Unicef’s ambassadors go out of their way to make others feel valued), I am forever thankful for the little that we gave for all the time they had devoted over two years to UNICEF. So many children and mothers benefited by their giving time— JACKIE CHAN was the simplest of gifts.
And, I hold that day as one that was happy. But, what happened for me later was what told me how much this day meant.
When I was not expecting, one of the most timid of the volunteers came to me afterwards, with her hand clenched. Inside her hand she held out a tiny special piece of Jade she inherited from her mother. This lady in broken ENGLISH with one of my staff translating said…
For giving a simple woman a simple pleasure, the dream of her life… to meet Mr. Chan. Thank you for the best day of my life. I want you to have this special piece of Jade—like for an Empress, so you can always remember the old women, your volunteers. I thank you for all of us, but especially me. I will never forget you, your staff’s kindness or this day.
JADE and the Emperor a part of my working career, the most precious Chinese stone was given to honor
"Hello everyone. I'm Jackie Chan. November the 11th is International Children's Day, and it's also UNICEF's 20th anniversary. Over the past 20 years, UNICEF has continuously promoted the awareness of children's rights, protected the dignity of children, and have ensured that children receive sufficient love and care. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of UNICEF and upholding children rights, we especially composed a song in the hope of dissolving the borders between different customs, cultures and nationalities. We hope to use our music to unite our strength and efforts for children. Please continue to support UNICEF. Thank you very much, thank you."
2009 ·SuperChan's Jackie Chan Blog by TNB
