cgtb: About the Author
Who started this then and why is it no longer being maintained?
My name is James Hackman. I taught English as a foreign language in Baoji College of Science and Art. I was there under the aegis of the VSO. I've now returned to the UK. As I no longer live in Baoji, I can't really update the site anymore. If you would like to take over this task please contact me.
V S Who?
The Voluntary Service Overseas. A British organisation, which sends people to various under developed parts of the world to "share skills". It has about 1,700 people working in over 55 countries. There are about 150 in China, mostly in the field of education; but we also have medical, agricultural and financial people here too. Officially it is a Non-Governmental Organisation and a registered charity, but it is bankrolled by the British Government and does what the Department for International Development tells it to. It is not entirely dissimilar to the rather better known US Peace Corps, except no one has produced a film about us. Though if you are ever passing VSO HQ in Putney, London and you ask nicely you can see VSO Baoji's video tape effort; ask for CH-305/"The Baoji Witch Project" in the resources centre.
So why are you writing this site volunteer boy?
I was bored one Sunday afternoon. It grew from that.
So do you think I should cancel my travel plans and stay in Baoji for my grand China tour instead of Beijing/Shanghai/Kumming?
God no. This site is just aimed at helping those who happen to be in Baoji, rather than to attract people here.
Wow. Such an interesting and fascinating guy. I'd really like to pick your brains. How would I get in touch / find out more?
My email address.
Aren't you worried about those nasty communists reading your email?
Yes and so should you be youngster. If you want to encrypt your messages then use PGP; here's my keyfile. The Electonic Privacy Information Centre also has some good resources.
Don't tell me you're not going to mention your witty, talented and devilishly handsome VSO colleague on this page?
For most of my time here I had company in the shape of Peter McGrath. He's from Bradford and likes curries, Neil Young and football.
