Mission

Noughts & Hearts (501c3 application pending approval) was founded in 2011 by Margaret (Maggi) Gao to promote environmental awareness and raise awareness of the inequality of educational opportunities across China.

Noughts & Hearts currently supports the education of 12 students (age range from primary school to college) in 3 areas of the Hulunbeier region of Inner Mongolia: Daxinanling; Moerdaoga, Eluncun; and Aershan.

So why Inner Mongolia? The government of Hulunbeier has made extensive efforts to protect and preserve China’s largest natural grasslands and forests – some of those efforts include the banning of mining and logging, which are the main source of income for most local families. As a result, many of those families are struggling to send their children to school. We strive to help these children go to school, because like their parents we believe education is extremely important, and an opportunity that should be available to everyone.

In 2013, through Maggi's work on Noughts & Hearts, she was awarded the International Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for her contribution to the local communities of Shanghai and Inner Mongolia. Over the years since, Noughts & Hearts has been able to gather funding and support to launch many projects and initiatives, some which include organizing summer camps in Shanghai, and a proposed distance learning initiative.