Discover the transformative impact of the Ireland Sino Institute, a dedicated non-profit registered with the Ministry for Civil Affairs in Northeast China and affiliated with the EU Chamber and Irish Chamber of Commerce. Since 2012, the Institute has been a pivotal force in strengthening Ireland-China relations through its innovative educational initiatives.
Focused on bridging the gap for rural children in Northeast China, the Institute introduces Irish and European educational perspectives, traditions, and practices to areas where opportunities are scarce.
Founded on the McCarthy family’s life savings, the Ireland Sino Institute has provided thousands of free and subsidized scholarships to children from disadvantaged backgrounds over the years. This commitment reflects the institute’s dedication to education and equal opportunity, making a lasting impact by investing in the future of those who need it most.
Here, many children, especially girls, face high school dropout rates. Thanks to the Institute’s efforts, thousands of these children have not only completed high school but have also advanced to contribute meaningfully to common prosperity, echoing the vision of President Xi.
The significance of their work was highlighted during a visit by the offices of the late Premier Li Keqiang and acknowledged by the China State Council in 2018. Their achievements were further recognized in an interview published on the website of the Chinese Government the same year.
Inspired by Her Excellency Ann Derwin, Ambassador of Ireland to China, who is renowned for her work in rural development and promoting gender equality, Chang McCarthy from the Ireland Sino Institute has played a crucial role in similar initiatives. Each year, approximately 3 million children in rural China, two-thirds of whom are girls, leave school before reaching middle school.
Through her impactful efforts at the Ireland-Sino Institute, Chang McCarthy has significantly helped many of these girls to graduate, continuing the legacy of Ambassador Derwin’s dedication to these vital causes.
The work of the Ireland Sino Institute has been recognized by several prestigious entities, including the Irish Embassy, Governor Li Lecheng of Liaoning Province, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, Irish Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, and CEIBS Shanghai, a leading provider of MBA programs.
Due to their contributions to the Liaoshen Campaign, the Rural Revitalization Plan in Northeast China, their work was highlighted by China media in early 2024.
Recently, the Ireland Sino Institute has been actively promoting exchanges and has reached out to both Cork County Council, Cork City Council, and CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade) to explore potential collaborations on mutual projects with Liaoning.
These efforts aim to build mutual understanding, awareness, and strengthen ties between the regions. Such exchanges serve as the lifeblood of international cooperation, fostering not only mutual development and understanding but also contributing to peace and prosperity across borders in our increasingly complex world.
The Ireland Sino Institute is grateful for the insightful and valuable advice provided by Cork County Council, Cork City Council, Cork Chamber, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
In a recent interview with Chinese media in 2023, Pat McCarthy revealed that President Xi’s 2012 visit to his home province of Munster in Ireland was the catalyst for founding the Ireland Sino Institute. President Xi’s vision of common prosperity, equality, and exchanges to foster global peace and prosperity greatly inspired both Pat and Chang McCarthy in their work.
The Ireland Sino Institute has actively promoted tourism in Liaoning Province by organizing tours of the area, aiming to attract more visitors, especially from the expatriate community, which has historically been small.
current challenges
Some of the current challenges we face at the Ireland Sino Institute include economic turbulence, a lack of funding, and universal support for our vision. Additionally, spreading our message effectively has proven difficult.
We are seeking the support of leaders and philanthropists from both Ireland, Europe, and China to help us advance our initiatives, as local assistance is limited. Such challenges were highlighted on Cork’s 96FM Opinion Line.
Success is born from struggle and resilience, a truth evident in the lives of figures such as Ambassador Ann Derwin, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Michael McGrath, and President Xi, all of whom inspire Pat and Chang McCarthy.
Indeed, resilience and struggle are central to Pat McCarthy’s character. Hailing from the same town and having attended the same school as Ireland’s national hero Michael Collins, Pat is also a cousin of Collins, further tying him to a legacy of perseverance and determination.
We are committed to continuing our efforts to strengthen Ireland-China ties through various initiatives, and we greatly appreciate any help or support. We hope more leaders, experts, and influencers will visit these areas to assist us in achieving common prosperity by bridging the urban-rural gap and ensuring equal development and opportunities for all. If you are a person of influence and believe in our vision, please get in touch.
We aspire to one day lead a delegation from China to the enchanting town of Clonakilty in West Cork, a place where resilience is not just admired, but born.
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