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Jimmy
Yen dedicated his life to the education of the ping-min (the
common people). Dr. Yen first served Chinese coolies working
with the Allies in France during World War I. Returning to
China, Dr. Yen organized the Mass Education and Rural
Reconstruction Movement in 1923, and later the International
Institute of Rural Reconstruction in 1960.
Dr. Yen’s program has now
spread throughout the developing world. His integrated and
people-centered development strategy is widely followed.
Dr. Yen received the Ramon
Magsaysay Award for International Understanding in 1960 in
recognition of his creative leadership in rural
reconstruction. The award commended Dr. Yen’s concern for
the whole man and molding his social institutions, rather than
simply refashioning the physical environment.
The humanity of Jimmy Yen
continues to transcend national boundaries and to bridge
continents and conflicting ideologies.
Y. C. James Yen was truly a
Citizen of the World.
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| "We
work with the people not out of pity but out of
respect for their potential for growth and
development, both as individuals and as
communities."
"Relief has its
place. But what the people need is not relief, but
release – release of their own potential for
development."
"Life is an
organic whole. The basic problems of the people –
poverty, ignorance, disease and civic inertia –
interlock. To address one problem, we must address
all. Hence our emphasis on an integrated program of
livelihood, education, health and
self-government."
"Technical
know-how of the experts must be transformed into
practical do-how of the people."
"Outsiders can
help, but insiders must do the job."
"When we talk
about democracy, if the people’s stomach is empty,
democracy is also empty. Democracy can not be
installed by fiat; it must be achieved by the people
themselves."
"Commitment
cannot be taught; it can only be caught. I refer to
the crusading spirit. Without the crusading spirit,
you may have the starting power but not the staying
power."
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