Merry Christmas! In the true spirit of giving this festive season, we wanted to appeal to those of you who have the means and are willing to donate some time to the volunteer communities at Educating Girls of Rural China (EGRC) and Power Baseball Angels, two non-profit organizations in Beijing that are seeking volunteer English teachers.

Since 2005, EGRC has sponsored more than 1,400 young women to receive a high school and university education. Their mission is to empower rural young women through education, as well as provide opportunities for their personal and professional development, which in turn trains a new generation of women leaders. I had the opportunity to volunteer with them as an English teacher for two semesters last year, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. The girls are so grateful for what little I was able to help them with and I still maintain contact with some of them over WeChat and email.

EGRC is always seeking volunteers to teach English to young girls once a week, online. The students may have some basic to intermediate English skills and are seeking to hone mostly their speaking and listening skills with you, so send your resume with a cover letter to daisy.gong@egrchina.net or admin@egrchina.net.

Conversely, if you prefer working with a younger demographic, there’s another opportunity to volunteer! Spearheaded by Coach M, Power Baseball Angels is building a Cambridge Assessment of International Education (CIE) certified school to provide high school education to underprivileged kids who stand a solid chance of landing overseas scholarships on their sports skills but need a bit of extra help in the English-language academic arena. We were thrilled to receive so many book donations for Coach M’s budding school when we reached out to our readers in a recent book drive, and want to thank you for your support. However, we are reaching out again now, to ask for any English speakers who wish to devote a couple of hours every Sunday to teach English to these kids. Coach M says that even high school students are welcome to volunteer, as many of these beneficiaries have little to no English backgrounds. Contact Coach M at driven200425@yahoo.com to discuss how you can help.

KEEP READING: Cleaning Up Beijing In The Countryside; Call For Volunteers

Images: Unsplash

Are you a teen or pre-teen who’s eager to volunteer in Beijing, but don’t really know where to start? Do you find yourself wondering what you can do, who you should contact, the time commitment, or what will even interest you?

Well, look no further! This guide is here to help you in your quest to help others! As a teenage volunteer enthusiast, I have gathered a few spectacular volunteering opportunities, so that you can give back to your community this summer. What’s more, they’re open all year round.

Rainbow Angel Coffee House

Rainbow Angel Coffee House (RAC) was founded in March 2017 by Felicia Li, a mother who volunteered in Beijing Tianyun Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation Center. After seeing the difficult road to recovery for deaf teens and the financial burden it puts on their families, Li determined to help the community and give its children the future they deserve. Since its inception, RAC has been committed to training deaf or hearing-impaired youth in Beijing’s lower-income rural areas for free. Through the program, they learn how to bake handmade snacks and develop important life skills. Through their growth, they become bakers, have a stable income, and support themselves and their future families.

Ways to volunteer:

• To volunteer for event organizations, teens can participate in the RAC Youth Volunteer Training Course. High schooler Helena 石榴, the youth ambassador, will be leading an upcoming training course on Jul 17, from 10am to 4pm.
• Teenagers can also volunteer at RAC charity activities, whether it be performing or assisting in reception and venue affairs.
• To volunteer at RAC charity sales, visit the RAC Nuanshan Life Store (咖啡屋暖山生活店).

Interest groups:

• Age: 10-18
• Event management
• Selling baked goods
• Performing

Contact information:

• Felicia Li, founder, owner, and teacher
  • Phone number: 13520366533
  • WeChat: Felicia1226
• Helena 石榴, youth ambassador, youth volunteer instructor
  • Phone number: 19901191006

Left: Youth ambassador Helena 石榴; Middle: RAC chefs; Right: Founder Felicia Li

World Origin • Youth Power

World Origin • Youth Power (WYOP) is a restorative force for the preservation and evolution of ethnic cultures, such as the last standing matriarchal society Mosuo, raising awareness through documentaries and direct grassroots aid. WOYP has organized multiple fundraising campaigns, which have brought in more than US 10,000 to date. At the age of 17, WYOP founder Vania 葡萄 was recognized at the 63rd UN Women’s Conference in 2019 as the youngest recipient of the Global Woman of Distinction Award and was honored with the Most Popular Vote and Bronze Prize at the China Intangible Inheritance NGO project competition. Vania aims to “race against time to slow down the extinction of inheritance of the world’s ethnic cultures and arts.”

Ways to volunteer:

• Summer-long fundraising event to purchase school and art supplies for schools in Mosuo, an ethnic minority group.
• Collecting books in your community for the upcoming book sale in August and Chinese children’s books for the Mosuo school.
• An upcoming event in August: Calling for teens interested in organizing events, performing (singing, dancing, etc.), art, helping at book sales.
• Creating videos to raise awareness.

Interest groups:

• Age: 14+ for event management
• Age: 8-18 for creating art, performing, and everything else

Contact information:

• Vania 葡萄
• Email: ahawacir@126.com
• www.vaniapt.com/world-origin

Left: Mosuo children; Right: Founding initiator Vania 葡萄

Roundabout

Roundabout, the first charity store in China, was founded in 2008. They support 48 charitable organizations across China, aiming to bridge the community and the cause. To raise funds, Roundabout sells donated items in their retail store, at charity events, and book fairs. All of the proceeds go towards covering the medical costs of low-income children and orphans, as well as providing shelter and necessities for older folks. Roundabout is known for its transparency, with all monetary donations and funds going directly to charities. As Roundabout is organized by a group of volunteers, there are always opportunities for teenagers to engage.

Ways to volunteer

• Sorting out donated items for the retail store and various outside events.
• Donating books, clothing, toys, furniture, household goods, etc.
• Cleaning and working at the Roundabout retail store.
• Helping at book fairs, charity activities, and events. Work entails book sorting, setting up, helping on the book fair day.

Interest groups:

• Age: 8-18
• Handling money
• Helping customers
• Selling items

Contact information:

• Maggie, volunteer coordinator
• Phone number and WeChat: 18510449951
• www.roundaboutchina.com/volunteers/

Roundabout book fair at Euro Plaza, Jun 5

The Voice of Love

Through charity concerts, teenagers utilize their voices to raise funds for schools in disadvantaged areas. Initiated by high schooler Apple Liang, the Voice of Love (VOL) focuses on art education and donating teaching materials. VOL provides children from poverty-stricken regions a stage to realize their musical dreams, supporting their growth and development.

Ways to volunteer:

• Performing at VOL’s charity concerts (upcoming: 2022).
• Helping at fundraising events.
• Working with students at VOL’s partnering schools (upcoming: August).

Contact information:

• Apple Liang 梁凯淇
• Phone number: 18801008576

KEEP READING: Stranded Nomad: Even More Volunteering Opportunities This Summer

Images: Helena 石榴, Vania 葡萄, Felicia Li, Apple Liang, Roundabout

Are you starting to feel a bit helpless in the face of COVID-19? We’re quarantined at home and it’s been over a month since life in Beijing has been normal.

While medical professionals have traveled to Wuhan to fight COVID-19 on the frontlines, not all of us have the option to help out in such a way. Recently though, United Nations has started looking for online volunteers, giving those of us in quarantine a place where we can do our part in the fight against this devastating disease.

Their website states, “The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Online volunteering allows organizations and volunteers to team up to address sustainable development challenges – anywhere in the world, from any device. Online volunteering is fast, easy, and most of all, effective. When skilled, passionate individuals join forces online with great organizations working toward sustainable development goals, everyone wins.”

Areas where they’re looking for volunteers include:

• Writing and editing
• Translation
• Research
• Project development and management
• Outreach advocacy
• Teaching and training
• Technology development
• Art and design
• Leadership and strategy
• Community organizing
• Healthcare services
• Administration
• Event organization
• Manual labor and skilled trade

The United Nations volunteer program works with over 12,000 online volunteers engaging in 187 different countries a year. To learn more about becoming a United Nations Volunteer, visit their website.

Source: www.onlinevolunteering.org/en
Photos: speakactchange.com, onlinevolunteering.org, www.onlinevolunteering.org/en

On February 10, it was a bittersweet moment at the Roundabout Volunteers headquarters. Volunteers and guests alike had gathered for a good old-fashioned potluck event, with a sumptuous spread of food and good company, to celebrate the year that was and the good work accomplished by the organization. Surrounded by precious mementos so lovingly donated, volunteers and guests mingled, sharing laughs, trading stories of their experiences living in Beijing and wondering how they can continue to be of service to the community. It was also a time to welcome and appreciate new volunteers who give of themselves to ensure the continuous day-to-day running of the organization and also continued support to its outreach programs.

As the first charity store to be opened in Mainland China in 2008, Roundabout has worked with over 80 other charitable organizations in Beijing alone, and many more throughout Mainland China. Through a simple system of connecting those who wish to give their time or monetary contributions, the organization continues to support children diagnosed with blood diseases, heart defects, and other medical conditions, which might leave these children’s families hard pressed for funds to cover potentially high medical costs. Roundabout’s support for children from disadvantaged backgrounds also spans to education through several aid programs spread throughout China.

As for what the new year holds for the organization, Roundabout plans to hold book fairs in conjunction with international schools in Beijing, with the next such event to be held on February 15 and the largest to come later in the year at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi). These are just some of the many events and awareness campaigns planned by Roundabout through the year.

If you would like to know how you too can help, please search for the Roundabout WeChat platform – Roundabout666.

Photos: courtesy of Roundabout Volunteers

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.

International School of Beijing: Greenkeepers

Founded 2009

Students:

Nadya C., 17 Years Old, Grade 12, Volunteering for 3 Years

Sam Y., 17 Years Old, Grade 12, Volunteering for 3 Years

Vimala M., 16 Years Old, Grade 12, Volunteering for 2 Years

What is Greenkeepers’ mission?

“Our mission statement is to raise awareness of environmental issues in our community to inspire individuals to take action and make our community a ‘greener place’.” – Nadya C.

“The mission statement for Greenkeepers is to inspire environmental awareness through local impacts within communities worldwide. I feel like the trash pickup is a good example of this. Through local impacts (just as picking up trash), we inspire environmental awareness (through interviews and talks with residents).” – Sam Y.

“Greenkeepers believe that every individual makes a difference on the environment and everyone should make our community a ‘greener’ place. Through local impacts and volunteer work, Greenkeepers is committed to raising awareness of the environmental challenges that face us locally and globally, promoting more sustainable practices in everyday life, and raising funds for a variety of environmental causes.” – Vimala M.

Why did you get involved?

“Initially, I was greatly inspired by many environmental organizations around the world that are in action helping various environmental issues. I hoped to take a stand against environmental exploitation and was determined to fight for a better, greener world. Whilez looking for a suitable environment-related student club, my friend introduced me to the perfect answer: Greenkeepers.” – Nadya C.

“I wanted to help increase sustainability in our school and local environment.” – Sam Y.

“When I started at ISB, I was already involved in various environmental clubs in my previous school. Greenkeepers was a club that was interesting for me mainly because of the trash pickups and tree planting activities.” – Vimala M.

What have you learned from your experience volunteering?

“I have participated in several volunteering experiences, one of them being our weekend Trash Pick-up event. Through personal experience in picking up trash by a nearby river, I am fortunate to have obtained more knowledge regarding the causes of the many environmental damages human actions have initiated. Hence, gained a better understanding of how to tackle the problem.” – Nadya C.

“From volunteering, I have learned the true value of personal impact. Even though volunteering and picking up trash may not make a big difference in sustainability, setting a good example for the local residents does make a big impact. Being a small club, we might not always be able to directly make a big influence on the environment, but we can inspire others that, collectively, will build up to make a great impact.” – Sam Y.

“Through volunteering with Greenkeepers, I have learned that volunteering is as important as conducting sustainable projects. It involved directly engaging with the community by going to the trash pickups, I’ve learned that we can make a difference through little steps.” – Vimala M.

What does volunteering and giving back to the community mean to you?

“Volunteering gives me a unique sense of purpose by serving those around me who are in need. Immersing myself in a community not only enriches and broadens my perceptions of the world but also improves my health both physically and mentally. Volunteering allows me to meet new people and have a broad, open-minded perspective of events in life which helps me become an effective and empathetic individual in society.” – Nadya C.

“Volunteering is always a good experience for me, especially in Greenkeepers, because I am not only able to give back to the community by doing something that I enjoy, but I am also able to do so with my close friends. I would say that volunteering has enriched our friendship.” – Vimala M.

Is this your first time volunteering?

“No. I have volunteered in several other events in and out of Greenkeepers, such as raising awareness of the recent climate strike and helping out on one of our ‘trash exchange for food’ fundraising event. ‘Trash exchange for food’ primarily raises awareness regarding recycling and effectively engages students to recycle by receiving ‘trash’ (used paper and recyclable plastic bottles) and exchanging it for a plate of food.” – Nadya C.

“This is not my first time volunteering. Before this, every Sunday I taught 4- to 5-year-old children of our school staff English with another ISB club.” – Sam Y.

Photos: Courtesy of ISB

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.

British School of Beijing, Shunyi: The Myanmar Project

Founded 2015

Students:

Anna B., 17 Years Old, Year 13, Volunteering for 1 Year

Daniel R., 17 Years Old, Year 13, Volunteering for 1 Year

Julia K., 17 Years Old, Year 13, Volunteering for 2 Years

Luca C., 17 Years Old, Year 13, Volunteering for 1 Year

What is The Myanmar Project’s mission?

“To raise money for a local school in Myanmar and teach the children in the school English.” – Anna B.

“The goal of our project was to travel to Myanmar and teach children English, since they didn’t really have access to any textbooks or other resources. We also donated as much money as we could gather so they could build a new classroom and buy other essential items for education.” – Daniel R.

“To raise money for the children in Myanmar” – Julia K.

“To help educate and raise supplies for children in underfunded schools.” – Luca C.

Why did you get involved?

“I am interested in being a teacher so it seemed like a great experience to get to teach the children.” – Anna B.

“I got involved because firstly I love charity work, and I saw an opportunity to give and help those who are less fortunate than myself.” – Daniel R.

“Actually, my friend Julia K. was part of the founding team of this project and so she invited me to join and took me on board.” – Luca C.

What have you learned from your experience volunteering?

“I really enjoyed volunteering at the school and experiencing the culture of Myanmar. I would like to volunteer more in the future because I enjoyed the experience so much.” – Anna B.

“I learned that teaching takes time and must be done consistently. I’m sure after our trip the children will continue to work very hard to improve their English.” – Daniel R.

“I think it was good to see how other people less fortunate than us are living since it was eye-opening and made us appreciate what we had even more. In addition to that, we were able to see a change happening and I learned that it’s not that hard to make a difference.” – Julia K.

“What to us may seem like not a lot, can actually be life-changing to others.” – Luca C.

Why do you think it’s important to volunteer or give back to the community?

“It’s important because it gives people the opportunities that they would not receive and it allows us to give back and raise money for people who need it more.” – Anna B.

“It’s important to volunteer because not everyone is given the same opportunities, and those who have better circumstances should take time from their everyday lives and help those who are not quite as fortunate.” – Daniel R.

“I have lived a fairly privileged life to be very honest, taking part in Model United Nations (MUN) and other student debating activities, and I believe that the only right thing to do is provide action rather than just talk about, or come up with theoretical solutions to problems.” – Luca C.

Is volunteer work something you will continue to do in the future?

“Yes, I am very interested in it and after university, this will be something that I will be looking at more.” – Anna B.

“Certainly, I believe charity is important in our society for those who are privileged to help those who are less privileged. I think that’s one way we can make our society a better place to live.” – Daniel R.

“I will be doing volunteer work in the future since I think it was eye-opening, and really seeing what was happening, and how people were living, and making a change definitely gave me the motivation to continue doing this again.” – Julia K.

“Yes, next year I am actually taking a gap year where I will work as a social worker back home in Germany with kids in kindergarten or after school.” – Luca C.

Photos: Courtesy of BSB Shunyi

Over December, we’ve been highlighting some of the organizations and people that give their time and skills to make our city a better place. Here’s a round-up of all the causes we’ve profiled, so if your New Year’s resolution is to give something back, you’ll find plenty of ideas for getting involved below.

To read the full interviews, follow the links below.

Horses Offering People Enrichment (HOPE)

Children love animals, whether it’s a family pet or the cuddly pandas at the zoo. For some children with disabilities, that love can help them to grow and develop in areas where they have difficulties. It’s called equine therapy, and it’s available in Beijing thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. We talked to Amy Tripson about Horses Offering People Enrichment: HOPE. 

The Library Project

There are few things better to stimulate a child’s curiosity, creativity, and love of learning than a good book. For most of us, our kids grow up in homes full of bright, engaging reading material. But for many children in rural China, even their schools don’t have a library, or a place to sit and read independently. And that’s where The Library Project comes in. We talked to founder Tom Stader about their mission to turn unused classrooms into beautiful new reading rooms. 

The Lost Puppies of Beijing

In this series, we have mostly focused on those helping the people of this city, and particularly children in need. But our furry friends need our help too, and particularly the doggoes. So we talked to our friend and former beijingkids staffer Auna Harris about the kind souls behind The Lost Puppies of Beijing.

Fitness 4 Hope

In our busy urban lives, staying fit and active is important. Thanks to a team of enthusiastic volunteers, there are now opportunities to do this while helping a good cause too. We talked to Pablo Arriba about Fitness 4 Hope (F4H), the volunteering organization which he founded.

Bethel China

China has transformed beyond imagining over a couple of generations, modernizing and developing at a rate previously unseen in history. But in a few areas, old-fashioned ideas persist, and rarely with such sad consequences as in attitudes to disabled children. However, there are many, locals and foreigners, working hard to change attitudes and transform lives. We spoke to Allie Haaz, English-language spokesperson for Bethel China, to find out more about one such organization.

Migrant Children Foundation (MCF)

Christmas is always a time to think about children: our own and those in need. Few children are more in need than China’s so-called “migrant children,” who have come with their parents in search of a better life in the city, but have no right to education or other support here. And few have done more to help these innocents than the Migrant Children Foundation (MCF). We talked to Helen Boyle about the Foundation’s work.

Chemistry lessons provided by MCF won a national competition

Clothing Auction Network

New Zealander Rebecca Archer has been in Beijing since 2013, but it was an idea she brought from home which has taken off and is now set to expand across the world. We asked her to tell us more about the Clothing Auction Network.

Photos: courtesy of HOPE, Nichole He, courtesy of Auna Harris, courtesy of Fitness 4 Hope, courtesy of Allie Haaz, courtesy of MCF, Dave’s Studio, Rebecca Archer

Over the festive season, we’ll be highlighting some of the organizations and people that give their time and skills to make our city a better place, and looking at what you can do to support them. Spread the spirit of giving these holidays!

Children love animals, whether it’s a family pet or the cuddly pandas at the zoo. For some children with disabilities, that love can help them to grow and develop in areas where they have difficulties. It’s called equine therapy, and it’s available in Beijing thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. We talked to Amy Tripson about Horses Offering People Enrichment: HOPE.

Amy Tripson

Tell us about the history of your organization. How did it start, how has it developed?

HOPE was founded in 2009 by Dr. Priscilla Lightsey, a physical therapist, with the goal of providing children with disabilities in China the opportunity to benefit from equine-assisted activities and therapies. HOPE has grown over the years and now serves participants five days a week with a herd of four horses, dozens of volunteers and two instructors.

What are you doing now, and what are your plans for the future?

HOPE serves individuals with disabilities, Chinese and expats, while pursuing professional international accreditation in therapeutic horsemanship (TH). HOPE continues to provide safe, effective and engaging lessons while promoting the professional standards needed for the TH industry in China and expanding our program to serve more individuals.

How can people get involved? What help do you need, and how can they contact you?

HOPE needs volunteers with a variety of skills. Volunteer opportunities include regularly assisting in lessons with the horses and children, attending outreach events or translating documents. There are many ways to help! We are always in awe of the unique ways that our volunteers give, coming up with creative ideas, so just let us know what you like to do and we’ll find a way that you can contribute to our organization. To learn more about volunteering at HOPE please contact our Assistant Program Director, Lucia Zhou, WeChat: HOPE-CHINA. Lucia will get you signed up for a Volunteer Orientation.

What makes your organization different or special?

HOPE is unique in that we recognize the healing properties of our equine partners. The relationship between a horse and a human can be powerful – and therapeutic. In addition to riding, participants learn to brush, groom, lead, and care for a horse. These activities may facilitate growth in a variety of areas – often much faster than in a clinical or academic setting. Not only do we see the benefits to our participants, but our volunteers are often greatly impacted by their experiences at HOPE. Come visit! Seeing the program in action enhances the understanding of what we do. Plus, it’s fun to see the smiles of the participants. We believe: Horses bring you HOPE!

Photos: courtesy of HOPE

Over the festive season, we’ll be highlighting some of the organizations and people that give their time and skills to make our city a better place, and looking at what you can do to support them. Spread the spirit of giving these holidays!

There are few things better to stimulate a child’s curiosity, creativity, and love of learning than a good book. For most of us, our kids grow up in homes full of bright, engaging reading material. But for many children in rural China, even their schools don’t have a library, or a place to sit and read independently. And that’s where The Library Project comes in. We talked to founder Tom Stader about their mission to turn unused classrooms into beautiful new reading rooms.

Tom Stader, founder of the Library Project

Tell us about the history of your organization. How did it start, how has it developed?

Fourteen years ago, my friends and I donated two libraries to two orphanages in Dalian, China. Those two simple library donations turned into an international organization with a mission to improve children’s literacy in Asia. As of today, The Library Project has donated 1,372 Reading Rooms and 3,225 Classroom Libraries to rural elementary schools. Each school that we support also receives one year of teacher training and support, along with children’s literacy programs.

I condensed a fourteen-year journey into one single paragraph. If you’d like to read more about this journey, please check out the Our Story page on our website at the link below:

Our Story

What are you doing now, and what are your plans for the future?

The Library Project has a razor sharp focus on improving children’s literacy in Asia. We do this through donating beautiful local language libraries to rural elementary schools, providing quality teacher training, and conducting children’s literacy programs. All of these programs have one year of monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and support.

Our long-term plan is to keep our focus on improving children’s literacy, but expanding our footprint to additional countries in Asia.

STEAM classroom in Dishi Primary School, Shanxi Province

How can people get involved? What help do you need, and how can they contact you?

Great question. The best way to get involved is to fund either a classroom or school library. If you fund a school library, then there are opportunities for on-site volunteerism. The schools we work with are not in city centers and take between two and five hours to reach. Volunteerism at a library donation is both hard work and rewarding for both the students attending the rural elementary school and the volunteers. Also, please feel free to add me, Tom Stader, on WeChat at: tomstader.

Supporting county library in Daba Village, Shaanxi Province

What makes your organization different or special?

We try very hard to be a results-oriented organization, that is both financially and programmatically transparent. We also work very hard at providing those that support us financially an opportunity to physically see where their money goes through on-site volunteerism. We have been able to achieve these results through a network of government partners throughout China because they see the value that we provide to their schools, teachers and communities. I am able to say these things with confidence because we keep our focus on quality programming and we do not deviate from our organization’s mission.

Photos: Nichole He