Remote Villages in Transition
In 2016, the Good Soil Foundation embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of “Remote Villages in Transition.” Spearheaded by the visionary Faye Lo and acclaimed photographer Chen Jie, this initiative began as a focused research project titled “Images of Poverty Alleviation in the Daliang Mountains of Sichuan.” Through a compelling series of special reports, it captured the harsh realities of life in these remote areas, catalyzing a wave of support and investment from government and private sectors alike. This critical attention led to significant infrastructure developments, laying the groundwork for a broader mission.
Expanding its horizons in 2018, with vital backing from the Sky3 Seeds Foundation, the project cast its net across hundreds of impoverished villages in Guizhou, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan. The team’s mission was to document the living conditions through photographs and videos, focusing on the most emblematic cases to inspire action at all levels of government. Their efforts were not in vain, as they saw remarkable improvements in community infrastructure and quality of life.
A key part of the project’s success was its partnership with public welfare organizations across China, which propelled fundraising campaigns for students and families in need. Thanks to the collective efforts, over 6 million yuan was raised in 2019 and 2020 alone, under the stewardship of entities like the China Social Welfare Foundation. These funds directly benefited hundreds, offering them a brighter future.
The publication of the photography book ‘Remote Villages in Transition’ in 2021, supported by Faye Lo, marked a milestone. It highlighted the transformation of cliff and zip line villages, becoming a symbol of success in China’s poverty alleviation efforts. Celebrated by major media outlets such as People’s Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and CCTV, these stories reached over a billion people, becoming a part of China’s top ten iconic events in poverty alleviation.
Accolades like the Golden Image Award and the China News Award have honored the project, acknowledging its profound impact on documenting and contributing to China’s fight against poverty. This comprehensive collection of image stories, accompanied by narratives of the communities’ journeys towards improvement, offers an invaluable look into the transformative power of collective action and compassion.
As “Remote Villages in Transition” continues to evolve, its future endeavors aim to deepen the engagement with these communities, ensuring sustainable development and nurturing further success stories. This project stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and collaborative effort in sparking positive change.
