Volunteer Insights

This holiday, through the introduction of a sister, I came to Beijing from Hohhot and started a three-week internship at NDFH. I am Xiaolu, a sophomore student studying communication at Northern University for Nationalities in Yinchuan, Ningxia. Since I have acquired certain knowledge in school and have certain writing and editing abilities, I decided to look for an internship during winter recess to receive further training.

While in Beijing I was able to meet several children from the Savannah Project on their trip to Beijing. After hearing about the degree I am studying, the staff decided to let me assist in filming and recording the children’s trip.

Since we wanted to record, we had to have close contact with the children. I am not good at getting along with children because I am impatient and have no experience interacting and playing with them. But the couple of days spent with them made me feel my own growth - I not only learned how to get along with them through observation, but also developed my own skills through practice.

 Photo by Xiaolu

Except for Samuel, the other children are very independent. Eating and dressing by themselves. They were able to study and explore the museum, and have fun in the ice and snow park. Mia taught Jacob to be considerate of other people’s property; Jocob is enthusiastic and cheerful, and likes to take the initiative to communicate with others. Benjamin did not cry when he had an unexpected allergy, but just waited quietly for the staff to buy him medicine; Joy is young but very understanding, getting along with others she is sensible and well-behaved. Jacob is active, but he always strictly obeys the rules, and does not make people worry about him too much.

I have become more patient and loving these last three days.

Although the children still have some shortcomings that need to be corrected, and I still have many shortcomings, through growth we can overcome those shortcomings. I'm looking forward to meeting them in the future if I have the chance.

Xiaolu Giving a photography training