Ningxia residents begin the long climb out of poverty (7)

Sometimes charity funds don't get to the poorest families that need the most help, according to Li Jun, standing vice-president at the Ningxia Center for Environment and Poverty Alleviation, a grassroots organization.

"The money could easily be taken by village heads or people related to them," he said. "But skills, loans and businesses can't be stolen."

Those that can't "make blood by themselves" will still need direct donations, but only under the close supervision of the government, he added.

As an illiterate farmer with a badly wrecked spine, Liu Zhengfeng has only one way of making a living; by planting corn.

She receives 330 yuan a year from the poverty alleviation center. Li Jun said the money is insufficient, but at least it provides some spiritual comfort for the 51-year-old single mother, who has a 13-year-old daughter,

"That's all we could give. There are so many people out there waiting for help," said Li.

"Even though China is now the world's second-largest economy, there are still people in poverty. Please don't forget them," he urged.

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