Whenever life doesn’t seem to go as planned, or we encounter a bump in the road, it’s easy to fixate on those problems and let them consume all of our mental energy. However when this happens, we run the risk of losing sight of all those things that are going well, which, more often than not, are the things we take for granted in the first place. Generally speaking, it’s pretty safe to say that no matter how bad things get, most of us have those basic necessities that provide for a comfortable and secure life; health, love, shelter, financial stability, and food. Unfortunately though, there are a lot of people in this world — either clear across it or right in our own backyard — who don’t have basic amenities. Thankfully, students at Beijing’s international schools know not only how to count their blessings, but how to share them as well.
A few took time out of their busy schedules to tell us about the organizations they volunteer with, and what it means to them.
Harrow Beijing: Alenah’s Home
Founded 2004
Students:
Charlie L., 18 Years Old, Year 13, Volunteering for 3 years
Lucy S., 15 Years Old, Year 11, Volunteering for 1 year
Wendy Z., 17 Years Old, Year 12, Volunteering for 2 years
What is Alenah’s Home’s mission?
“Take care of special needs orphans and provide them a safe and loving home, and to provide them with access to specialized medical care and rehabilitation.” – Charlie L.
“Help special needs orphans receive medical care and rehabilitation training in Beijing.” – Lucy S.
“Not only bring them happiness, but also bring them warmth. Let them feel the love from society.” – Wendy Z.
Why did you get involved?
“I love the experience of having fun with the children.” – Charlie L.
“Because I want to help the children there. I am a part of the community and I think I have a responsibility to be involved and help where I can.” – Lucy S.
“To let them feel love from us. They don’t have love and family from their parents, so if we are able to accompany them and give them love and warmth, they don’t feel lonely, and they’ll grow up healthy and happy.” – Wendy Z.
What have you learned from your experience volunteering?
“Be patient. Be positive.” – Charlie L.
“I think I get more ideas about how the world works and I have become a lot more sympathetic. Now, I am keen and know how to help.” – Lucy S.
“Every child should have a happy childhood. No matter whether they have health problems or not, they should not be abandoned, because all people are equal.” – Wendy Z.
Why do you think it’s important to volunteer or give back to the community?
“As I live in a lovely family, I want to give this kind of feeling to people who have less opportunity to be loved.” – Charlie L.
“Volunteering strengthens self-confidence, as I am doing good things to people and the community. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride because I can feel my value and the children show that they need and value me.” – Lucy S.
“Volunteers are lucky as they have the time and ability to help people who need help. People who need help are also part of society, so helping them is making contributions to society.” – Wendy Z.
What does volunteering and giving back to the community mean to you?
“It means a lot. It gives me happiness.” – Charlie L.
“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and fulfilling feelings of achievement. Giving back and contributing to our society, in my view, is unparalleled and it is a duty that everyone should work on.” – Lucy S.
“I can share my love with them and let them know that we have not abandoned them and that society has not abandoned them.” – Wendy Z.
Is this your first time volunteering?
“Yes!” – Charlie L.
“Yes, it is the first time for me doing it.” – Lucy S.
“Yes, actually the time I spent in Alenah’s Home is my first time volunteering.” – Wendy Z.
Is volunteer work something you will continue to do in the future?
“Definitely!” – Charlie L.
“Sure, volunteering helps me to gain experiences and teaches me more about myself and the world. This connects me and society closer together.” – Lucy S.
“Yes, through my two years at Alenah’s Home, I have realized that volunteering can’t be done for just a while because they need more help than just a short period of time. The love for them will continue no matter where I am.” – Wendy Z.
