How time flies! GLV's 10th anniversary is here already!

These days have been a rather emotional time for me as I am choosing photos for the commemorative issue of GLV’s (Originally called the Peace Club) early days. Memories of the early happenings of GLV flash back like movies, so vivid and unforgettable.

Ten years ago, when I started this school, I had no idea where it would go or how far it could go. For some early staff members and volunteers, I can only remember their first names and some of their e-mail addresses, which at this time have either been changed or lost.Many early photos are missing as well. I wish that someone had told me to save these records for future use. 

In the summer of 1998 I resigned from a troubled China-US joint venture company in Guangzhou. I could see no future for myself in that company. After several months of hard search for a job in Guangzhou with no success, I decided to move my family to Zhuhai for a new opportunity. Those were the darkest days of my life since my return from the United States in 1993.

I first opened the doors to the Peace Club December 19,1998.It was located in an abandoned karaoke club in the Children’s Activity Center on a corner of Ningxi Lu in Xiangzhou,Zhuhai.I got a very good deal on the rent.I had little funding and no business plan.My goal was simple. I had to find a way to employ myself and provide for my family.

Thanks to the trust of the Zhuhai government, I was given the opportunity to teach English to the first group of USA bound government officials. I tried the total immersion method with them and the result was amazingly good. With help from key teachers and advisors like Jene Bellows, Mary McKenna, Kelly Morine, Gordon Kerr, Karol Harlow, Eva Lynne, Kevin Morton, Claudia Swan, Sandra Lee, Mable Cam, Grayson Bass, Ben Turner and others, as well as teaching assistants like Jimmy Tan, Roger Lei,Pearl Feng, Faye Luo and Bruce Cao, and not to forget loyal staff members such as Nancy Zhao and Echo Liang, the total immersion program was firmly established and well on its way to success.

The early development of GLV would not have been so smooth and swift without the generous support and help from Gordon Kerr,a highly esteemed educator from Scotland, Michael Yen,a seasoned  diplomat and friend from the United States,Fred Hong, well known American legal expert in Guangzhou and Xie Ruda, a successful local businessman in Zhuhai. 

On July 6th 2002, with the encouragement of former GLV student and later partner James Yi, GLV moved from the karaoke club to a new and larger venue in the Xiangzhou Cultural Plaza.On March 31st, 2007, the first GLV branch was established in Hangzhou with James Yi and Earnest Deng as its main supporters. 

2008 has been an eventful year for China with snow storms, earthquakes, the hosting of the 2008 International Olympic Games as well the scandal of tainted milk products taking the attention of the country.Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, the world is facing a major international financial crisis!It is as if disaster and celebration come together, “crisis and victory”.?We, all the world, needs to learn how to work together for the welfare of all.

GLV's 10-year development can be summarized by my favorite Chinese expression,“Yuan Fen”.Of the three elements for any success, namely,“the right time, at the right place, with the right people”, the people are the most important factor. GLV's success so far is the direct result of the dedication and hard work of many teachers, friends and staff over all these years.In every major step of GLV’s development, I have received timely help and guidance from wise and kind-hearted people. If there is any contribution from me, I guess it is that I have been trying to make sure there is a caring spirit at GLV and that kindness is directed towards anyone and everyone who is associated with GLV. I am truly convinced that everyone is special and invaluable. You can always find many positive things in each and every person. Even if a person needs to leave GLV for various reasons, he should under no circumstances leave GLV with bitterness or anger.

The brand name of a commodity or an enterprise is as valuable as Chinese porcelain, but it is just as vulnerable. Once broken, it is worth nothing.So many world renowned companies have collapsed overnight, which provides many lessons for us to learn. The ultimate value of any organization or company should be in its vitality and longevity. The size and rate of expansion is not as important as the satisfaction of our teachers, staff, students as well as the government and society at large. “Small but beautiful” should always be the goal for GLV's future development and growth. 

Total immersion has proved to be the most effective way for students to gain confidence in speaking a foreign language and acquiring communication skills. Hopefully, more talented people with an upright character will join us so we can help the Chinese people to know the world better.  It is also my hope that we can restart our Chinese total immersion program someday to help people all over the world learn directly about the Chinese culture and language.

“Pinghe”平和，the Chinese name for GLV, means peace and harmony.Before we talk about a harmonious society and peace on earth, we need to find a way to talk to each other and understand each other. With a common language, we can share the dreams and begin to learn how to enjoy living in a world at peace. This has been my dream since my childhood.I believe that it is also a dream shared by so many people around the world.  

On this special day of celebration, I am deeply grateful to all who have helped GLV come this far.May we all have harmony in our families and peace on earth!

Hong Xiu Ping
Director and Founder of Gateway Language Village