Chinese associations are a major feature of the Chinese community in Zambia. They serve economic and cultural purposes. Economically they arrange for business delegations from China to visit and provide go-betweens.
They are a crucial element in the political lives of overseas Chinese. Kuhn (2008) explains how policy reorientations transformed traditional associations from guilds based on patron-client relationships to politically active organisations.
Membership
ACA’s membership is made up of individuals who uphold the Association’s bylaws, believe in its values and purposes, and pay an annual membership fee determined by the executive board. Regular domestic members who want communication from the Society in Chinese can apply online to become a member here.
In the era when ‘Old China Hands’ still frequented meetings at the Thatched House Club, the idea of setting up an institution that would represent the interests of those involved in trade to the Far East took shape. The China Association, as it was later known, lobbied the British Government and the authorities in Beijing on behalf of its traders. This included corresponding with the Foreign Office in relation to commercial grievances and working closely alongside the London Chamber of Commerce, local Chambers and the Federation of British Industries.
Following World War II, the Association alerted the government to the difficulties faced by British traders in China and brought about official action to protect their concerns and assets. The China Association continued to play a key role in representing the community.
Activities
CSA fosters a supportive cultural as well as social environment for industry unity and cohesion of the unities Chinese student body. Through a wide variety of projects and events, CSA helps students to understand Chinese lifestyle and culture, and develop them by encouraging participation.
The society is actively involved in sharing their knowledge of traditional Chinese culture and language to the local community by presenting performances, demonstrations, and storytelling. For example, their annual Lunar New Year celebration features a host of entertaining performances such as comic skits, singing, martial arts, and painting demonstrations.
In addition, ACA offers ESL classes, social work services, recreational activities, health seminars, and naturalization assistance at its three service centers. These services are specifically targeted to low-income individuals and families of Asian and Pacific heritage. In addition, the organization provides cultural programs such as food workshops and choir classes. For more information, visit their website or call.
Events
The society organizes various events that, while promoting social communication among members, are also a way of learning about the cultural traditions of China. These include the annual Chinese New Year celebration, which includes performances such as comic skits and singing, martial arts, cooking demonstrations and calligraphy.
The group also holds social and cultural gatherings for the whole campus community, such as Chinese/Japanese Culture Day. This event combines the efforts of both Japanese and Chinese students, as well as their professors, to demonstrate traditional art forms.
CCBA is also involved in helping members with naturalization services. It works with DYCD and the Chinese Voters Federation to assist new immigrants in applying for their citizenship and registering to vote. Organizing national events, holiday celebrations and gatherings and assembling academic forums are some of the other focuses of this society. The unity created by these activities helps the society to develop into a platform that is not only supportive and protective of the industry’s Chinese student population, but also enriches it as a whole.
Meetings
CCBA works with many mainstream community organizations such as the Visiting Nurse Service of New York and American Cancer Society. It also provides volunteer programs in Chinatown.
Founded in the late 1880s, the Association emerged as a result of growing pressure for a representative body exclusively concerned with Anglo-Chinese affairs. Its founders included members of the larger China Houses such as John Swire & Sons; Jardine, Matheson & Co; Paton & Baldwins; and Shell Petroleum along with Members of Parliament and retired colonial and military officials returned from service in the Far East.
The Association held regular dinners for its ‘Old China Hands’ and lobbied the British government on matters of concern to British traders in China, Hong Kong and Japan. This included addressing commercial grievances to the Foreign Office and representing concerns regarding peace terms following the Sino-Japanese War. In addition, the Association published quarterly summaries of Chinese domestic and international affairs and translated and distributed translations from the Chinese press.