The China Democratic National Construction Association (CDNCA), one of the eight non-communist parties in the country, launched a large-scale poverty-eradication program dubbed "Keep in Mind the Source of Water While Drinking."

The charity program is aimed at combining the forces of all CDNCA members as well as Chinese compatriots overseas and non-government organizations (NGOs), at home and abroad, said Cheng Siwei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and chairman of the CDNCA Central committee.

While calling for assistance of various forms to poverty-stricken areas, Cheng hopes the program will play the role of a bridge linking entrepreneurs with charitable undertakings.

Since the 1980s, CDNCA members have funded over 400 Hope schools for poor students, created 300,000 job opportunities for transient laborers from rural areas and the jobless in cities, and make huge donations to charity programs.

(Xinhua News Agency December 20, 2005)