Recently, the 2024 Banking Industry ESG Development Forum, organized by China Financial Media, took place in Beijing. During the event, reports on ESG topics in the banking sector and exemplary case studies were presented. One standout was the report from Guangfa Bank titled “Guangfa Hope Charity Fund Teams Up with ‘12355’ to Safeguard the Mental Well-being of Youth,” which was selected as one of the “2024 Banking Industry ESG Exemplary Cases.”
As an essential tool for banks pursuing a uniquely Chinese approach to financial development, ESG principles serve as a fundamental requirement for financial services in supporting China’s modernization. They are also crucial for achieving high-quality development within banks. Notably, social responsibility occupies a significant role under the “Social” dimension of ESG. The Guangfa Hope Charity Fund is continuously exploring a distinctive operational model that combines finance with philanthropy, thereby creating a solid protective barrier for the mental health of rural youth.
In recent years, youth mental health issues have garnered widespread attention, especially in rural areas where both awareness and resources for mental health education are limited. This situation necessitates focused efforts from all sectors of society. In 2023, the Guangfa Hope Charity Fund collaborated deeply with the Guangdong Youth Federation’s 12355 platform and donated 3 million yuan to launch the “Rural Youth Mental Health Assistance Program.” This initiative aims to build love and care consultation rooms, conduct mental health screenings, provide educational talks, train mental health teachers, and facilitate mentoring by letter across 210 rural primary and secondary schools in ten cities in Guangdong. So far, it has benefited approximately 229,600 students and teachers.
To comfort restless hearts with a voice, Guangfa Bank initiated the project by recruiting staff with backgrounds in psychology and law to form the 12355 volunteer team and establish a mental health consultation hotline. On the other end of the line are youth eager to be listened to and accepted. The volunteers, through understanding and companionship, guide these children in building confidence, feeling respected, and gaining strength.
Since the launch of the assistance program, Guangfa Bank has leveraged its financial, technological, and human resources. It has teamed up with the 12355 platform of the Guangdong Youth Federation to promote mental health initiatives in rural schools. On one hand, a team of psychological counselors has visited rural schools to deliver mental health talks; on the other, training programs are held for rural teachers. To date, 184 mental health presentations have been conducted across 210 rural schools, and 24 training sessions for rural mental health teachers have taken place. Trained teachers have since organized 729 on-campus psychological counseling events. Additionally, five on-campus mental health consultation rooms have been established to provide a comfortable space for children seeking support.
Since its establishment in 2008, the Guangfa Hope Charity Fund has continuously paid attention to educational and health development for youth in underdeveloped regions of China. Over the past 16 years, it has raised more than 110 million yuan, making a positive impact on life, learning, and working environments for 350,000 students and educators across 26 provinces. The Fund’s philanthropic journey has evolved from ensuring rural youth have access to education and food to now prioritizing their mental health. By enriching its operational model of “finance + charity,” the Guangfa Hope Charity Fund enhances support mechanisms for rural schools, nurturing the healthy growth of rural youth.
Looking ahead, Guangfa Bank will continue to embrace ESG principles, exploring innovative charitable models and contributing more to the rural revitalization efforts.
