According to the economic development ladder theory in Jeffery Sachs' End of Poverty, growth in any area/community is like climbing a ladder, each rung offering up a variety of internal resources and opportunities. However, some areas are so impoverished they need 'external' assistance such as charity. Yingfeng Village in Leibo County in southwest China's Sichuan Province is one of these regions.

With harsh natural conditions and a population of about 1,000 to 1,500, Yingfeng Village is mainly engaged in growing corn, potatoes, beans and plantains, which can be stored over a long period.

"Water Cellar for Mothers" project is a boon for Yingfeng villagers. Living on a rugged mountain with an altitude above 2,000 meters, locals depends on only two water storage pools. Every day, women spend more than two hours transporting around 50 kg of water home. In winter, the resource is even scarcer. Estimated investment related to the centralized water supply project has come to 470,000 yuan (U.S.$ 74,000), thanks in part to outside help. Villagers have been given 47 goats for purposes of economic benefit. More attention has also been given to repairing of houses, the education of children and long-term planning.

Boasting tenacious survival skills, locals have placed much hope on the welfare project and have embraced the drive for development.

A family in Yingfeng Village, including father, mother, daughter, grandson, and granddaughter, all live in one room with three beds, the living room being in the kitchen. [Buck]

The granddaughter in the family [Buck]

The elder couple in the yard [Buck]

(Source: Buck's Blog/Translated and edited by Women of China)