NANJING: A heartwarming initiative led by a Pakistani Ph.D. student in China is bringing winter relief to families in need. On November 11, 49 boxes filled with winter essentials began their journey to families in remote mountain areas, bringing not just warmth but also a powerful message of international solidarity.
The effort was organized by From Compassion to Action (FCTA), a volunteer group founded by Ali Qadir, a Pakistani Ph.D. student who came to China eleven years ago as a young undergraduate student. What started as a personal journey of education has blossomed into a movement that brings together students from around the world.
The winter campaign saw approximately 60 volunteers from diverse backgrounds working together – representing Pakistan, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Ethiopia. The donated items undergo a careful process by local organizations: professional cleaning, meticulous sorting, and systematic packaging before being distributed to various regions experiencing severe winter conditions.
Ali Qadir’s personal journey mirrors the growth of his initiative. Arriving in China at the age of 20, he embraced the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and excelled academically. His achievements are numerous: awards at international Model UN conferences, volunteering for Olympic events, receiving prestigious scholarships for three consecutive years, etc.
Under such leadership, the impact of FCTA has been formally recognized. In 2017 and 2019, Ali Qadir and the FCTA team earned the “Wutong Award”, an honor presented by the Nanjing Public Diplomacy Association to recognize contributions to international friendship and cooperation. Behind the honors are over 250 volunteer activities carried out across more than 20 public service projects. By mobilizing the force of both Chinese and international volunteers, FCTA continues to channel social compassion into tangible aid for vulnerable groups, improving living conditions and social environments while promoting cultural exchange and integration between China and the rest of the world. –Agencies
