In an effort to involve children in a creative exercise of self-expression, the Red Cross gave 200 disposable cameras to fourth, fifth and sixth-graders in the Southern Ningxia region to capture their world on film and document their daily lives. They were taught the basics of photography and asked to follow their instincts. The results were astounding, especially since none of the children had ever used a camera before. The photographs provided an honest and realistic glimpse into their daily lives.

"It's often so easy to get caught up only in the difficulties, the poverty, the limited access to clean water and the challenging environmental conditions. But, the warm hearts of the people we help are always an inspiration," says Ramsey Rayyis, American Red Cross representative in China.

The event – sponsored by the American Red Cross and Safeguard, launched by Proctor and Gamble – will help children in remote villages reach out and share their experience with the world. Professional photographers from China judged the contest and selected their favorites. As an encouragement to those who produced the best pictures, Safeguard will sponsor a week-long trip for six of the winners to Beijing. Safeguard is also supporting a new partnership with the Red Cross Society of China and launched the 'Heath Initiative for Villages in Western China' on World Water Day.

The American Red Cross has been working to develop water and hygiene facilities in drought-prone north central provinces of China. To better meet adequate hygiene needs, the Red Cross has been building or rehabilitating latrines in elementary schools, and is installing running water taps there, to promote hand-washing campaigns in schools. Community hygiene information campaigns are educating communities at the grassroots level, with promotion of important hygiene practices, hand-washing and food safety – building them a safer and healthier future.