Introduction

Meigu (美姑) is one of the 16 counties that make up the Liangshan Yi Autonomous region of Sichuan province.

About 98% of Meigu's 180,000 people are Nosu/ Yi. As you enter Meigu a billboard announces the pride of the county — its beautiful women and 'bimo' traditional culture. You will not have to travel far to see evidence of either. Many young girls and married women still wear traditional hats, embroidered vests and colorful pleated skirts. 'Bimo' officiate at births, funerals, and weddings. You will often see them sitting along the street consulting ancient scripts and passing on advice. To preserve this 'bimo' heritage and promote tourism, five 'bimo' temples to house artifacts and serve as a museum are under construction. Every other year the county also holds a 'bimo' festival.

Objectives

Together with local colleagues the MSI team promotes holistic family health in villages in the county. Our mission is to empower Nosu/Yi families to live lives that help build healthy and sustainable communities.

Current Projects

Training in basic health, growth monitoring, literacy building, facilitation workshops and sanitation projects are part of the holistic work for community building. Family fairs, recreational activities and KidsGames that bring young and old together in wholesome ways are used to build character and effect attitude changes. We also offer educational sponsorship, conduct school visits and provide health checks to encourage families to send their children to school for learning knowledge and transforming values.

Opportunities

If your heart is touched by the beauty and wonder of the Nosu/Yi people, and if you are equipped with medical and educational skills, come join the MSI team to live and serve among the people in Meigu!