After graduating from Shanghai's Fudan University, studying Japanese at Tokyo's Takushoku University and history at the University of Tokyo, Chinese writer Ye Qing is now leading a drive to construct elementary schools in Asia and Africa.

A member of the ethnic minority from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 31-year-old Ye is convinced that, "education could be the most powerful weapon in guaranteeing children's futures." "I was blessed with my education in China and, fortunately, was able to study in the most desirable environment in Japan," said Ye, who also studied ballet, German, Russian and English in Moscow.

In her 10 years in Japan, Ye has also written novels in Japanese, become a television personality, a regular contributor of essays and articles to magazines and an enthusiastic participant in volunteer work.