In one of our previous posts, we talked about Half the Sky Foundation, a non-profit organization who offers the love and concern of family for thousands of orphaned children in China who have lost theirs. By the end of 2010, the foundation will have 18 HTS Blue Sky Model Centers, 27 HTS Children’s Centers, and be helping orphaned children in 45 cities across China.

So I was elated when my bookclub decided to read Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn as this month’s book selection. The title, as well as the namesake for the none profit organization is based on an ancient Chinese proverb that says “Women hold up half the sky”. With that in mind, Kristof and WuDunn chronicled their meetings of an extraordinary array of women struggling under profoundly dire circumstances—and an equally extraordinary group that have triumphed. Through their stories, Kristof and WuDunn help us see that the key to progress in our world lies in unleashing women’s potential—and they make clear how each of us can help make that happen.

According to Carolyn See of the Washington Post, Half the Sky is a call to arms, a call for help, a call for contributions, but also a call for volunteers. It asks us to open our eyes to this enormous humanitarian issue.

Sherly was the recipient of the distinguished alumna from Cornell’s Asian Alumni Association 5 years ago. During her acceptance speech, she talked about the foundation and what we can all do to help save the lives of women and children in those developing nations. I hope you enjoy this book and help find hope for those in need. Please help us spread the word about this wonderful organization and the works Sheryl and her husband have started.