August 2026 project updates

Medical Aid Project

This month, we facilitated outpatient medical services for 9 children and inpatient surgical treatment for 1 child.

Theodore came to Beijing for pediatric orthopedic treatment. After a consultation, the chief physician determined the surgical plan and scheduled a hand surgery, which was successfully completed. While changing clothes before entering the operating room, Theodore—insisting he was a boy—asked for a blue outfit; the nurse regretfully informed him that there were no blue ones left.

Thaddues’ prosthetic legs have been completed; he came to Beijing this month for a fitting, and the results were excellent. At the same time, he had an ophthalmology consultation and was fitted with new glasses. With clearer vision, his gait is steadier. Striding confidently,Thadduesis happy and self-assured.

During the summer break, Zhiguo came to Beijing for an ophthalmology follow-up. He was nervous and kept a serious expression throughout the examination, only smiling happily after the doctor confirmed everything was normal. 

Jiahao also came to Beijing for a cardiology consultation and related tests.

Savannah Project and Little Deer Project

Currently providing high-quality care, rehabilitation, special education, and medical support to 49 orphans with special needs.

Social Practice / Inclusion Activities

The children from the Savannah Project came to Beijing to participate in the "Seeing the World Together – Children's Growth Summer Camp!”

We thank the volunteers from the "Continuing Public Welfare" team for planning and organizing this unforgettable four-day journey. During the trip, the children visited Noitom Robotics, listened to Dr. Dai share insights, interacted with robots, and experienced cutting-edge technology. 

We took the children to climb the Mutianyu Great Wall. For two children with mobility impairments, we arranged a special care team—eight "Hero" uncles—to help them realize their dream of ascending the Great Wall.

The children participated in activities such as formation drills, saluting, flag-raising ceremonies, standing at attention, cross-country challenges, friendly competitions, tent pitching, cable car rides, Great Wall climbing, and outdoor picnics. They even visited the train museum, where they could reach out and touch the vintage train wheels that bore the marks of time.

Thanks to the quiet dedication and support of our volunteers, the children’s curiosity was satisfied, their bodies were strengthened, and their horizons were greatly broadened. Hand in hand, we explore the world together—a salute to all the caring volunteers!

Welcoming and Farewells

This month, Gabriel and Mia moved into the Youth Home, while Titus transferred to the Special Needs Department. We also warmly welcome Hazel, Eli, and Zoe to the Savannah Project.

Seasonal Activities and Daily Care

Daily Reading & Play

In August, the nannies shared 47 wonderful stories with the children; daily story time is a cherished part of their bedtime routine!

*Little Me* is a picture book the moms recently chose for the children. The "Little Me" in the story is a shy little girl facing various growing-up challenges: she is afraid to walk her puppy alone, afraid to greet others, afraid of the dark, and afraid to sleep by herself. Yet, in each instance, she encourages herself: "Someday I’ll be able to... but for now, I’m learning step by step!" The children in the Savannah Project are just the same: they long to grow up, learn to take brave first steps, and learn to eat on their own... believing all the while: "I am loved, I am safe, and I can do it."

Waste Sorting

The moms transformed into "Little Environmental Guardians," teaching the children about waste sorting. They helped the kids understand that this small action protects the environment and is truly meaningful.

Magnetic 3D Puzzles

Teachers designed a magnetic puzzle-matching activity to exercise hand-eye coordination and visual comparison skills. Evangeline learned to distinguish between large and small circles; Michael pointed with his finger and told his nanny, "I like the sun"; and Rina, knowing where the piece belonged, let her nanny help place it in the correct spot—perfect! Thank you, Mom, for loving and understanding me! 

Learning About Vehicles Through Puzzles

Birthday Party

August, with its crisp, cool air, marked James's birthday. By now, we have celebrated eleven birthdays with him. A dedicated volunteer arranged a custom Ultraman-themed birthday cake and an Ultraman outfit for him; the gifts he received were exactly what he loves most.

Rehabilitation Training

This month, we provided rehabilitation training—covering gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and speech therapy—to 28 children in the program, totaling 731.5 hours of therapy.

Individual Rehabilitation Sessions

Every day, the nannies use flashcards to help recognize characters. Instead of rote memorization, they turn it into a game, pointing to and reading out each card one by one. Now, whether he sees a "Safety Exit" sign in the hallway or Chinese characters outdoors, Liam stops on his own and reads them aloud immediately. That eager impulse to read whenever he sees a character is truly delightful. Liam already recognizes over 50 Chinese characters; for a child building his foundation, every step represents genuine growth in cognitive ability.

While Theodore was hospitalized for surgery, a rehabilitation therapist from United Family Hospital assessed his condition and created a rehabilitation plan for his lower limbs. After discharge, following the rehabilitation department's recommendations, he has been actively performing lower-limb exercises to prepare for long-term physical development and orthopedic needs.

Learning & Classes

Making Small Strides Every Day

Joy is doing a fantastic job with her English studies. We are grateful to the young volunteer who supports her learning and brought English books for them to read together this semester.

Erik was recognized as an outstanding student.

Accompanied by Teacher Cui, Gabriel traveled to Suzhou for the "Saxophone Carnival" and met Teacher Lu on stage.

Volunteer Activities

Many volunteers used their holidays to bring their own children to the center to spend time with the kids from the Savannah Project. They made new friends, chatted, played games, and shared heartwarming interactions; the children bonded instantly, bringing warmth to one another! 

Kairos Project

The special education preschool currently provides high-quality, full-day special education for 37 orphaned children with special needs (including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, physical disabilities, and intellectual disabilities).

Rainbow Class

Jordan and Nolan have graduated from the Rainbow Class and officially enrolled in a community preschool! 

A commemorative photo from their farewell party!

Congratulations to these children—may they continue to shine brightly as their dreams take flight!

Gross Motor Skills and Balance

During the daily morning "walking the line" activity, the children no longer need a teacher to hold their hands; they can now follow the music and walk step-by-step on their own. 

Titus can jump on the trampoline without holding the safety rail; with a prompt, Asher can jump with both feet off the trampoline surface; Elizabeth enjoys the swings and can switch activities when reminded without getting upset; Jordan loves the slide and enjoys trying out new activities; Nolan can get onto the trampoline and practice on the climbing frame independently; Thaddeus has been fitted with a new prosthesis and can now walk with a confident, brisk stride.

The children have generally improved their daily living skills. For instance, when Noah hears the instruction "arrange your shoes correctly," he can fix them if they are misplaced; when drinking water, he holds the cup in one hand and the tray in the other, rarely spilling water or dropping food; using the toilet is no longer an issue; Flora occasionally calls out "Gege" (Big Brother)—though it happens only now and then, and she mostly babbles, the teachers always respond to her. Thaddeus learns quickly; while he used to be impatient when handling toys, after a week of practice, he can now pick up building blocks one by one and sort them by color.

Little Star of Progress

Asher made significant progress in jumping exercises during outdoor activities this month. He can now lower his head to enter the trampoline area without needing a teacher's reminder; he continues to perform well in fine motor exercises involving stacking cups; his hand-washing skills have improved, and he now proactively reaches out to dispense soap; throughout the month, Asher rarely became upset and has become increasingly accustomed to the daily rehabilitation and class schedules. 

Eleos Project

Currently providing financial aid, material donations, social work support, individual counseling, and themed activities to 56 children from disadvantaged families.

Youth Growth Summer Camp

In early August, the children in the Eleos program participated in a unique summer camp: "The World is Wonderful Because of Me – 2026 Space Exploration Camp."

Thirty-two children and teenagers embarked on this special summer journey of growth, accompanied and carefully looked after by staff and volunteer teachers throughout the event. Through five days and four nights of living, exploring, and growing together, these children—who rarely have the chance to leave home and engage with the outside world—broke free from the limitations of their daily lives. They unlocked new versions of themselves and, amidst the starry skies and their own passions, glimpsed a much broader world.

Monthly Home Visits

On the 12th and 13th of August, the service team—comprising social workers and psychological counselors—visited and provided services to 25 families across Hohhot and Helin. As another round of visits concluded, the team felt a mix of joy and concern. There was joy in seeing positive changes in some children and improvements in their lives; witnessing them move forward—even if the steps were small—offered a sense of reassurance. Some children had advanced to high school or college for the new semester, embarking on new paths. 

Yet, there was concern for children like Xiao Fang and Shu Yao, who remain trapped in difficult circumstances. The weight of reality presses down on them; it is not something that can be changed by a single remark or a solitary visit.

Financial Aid and Material Distribution

This month, a total of $1,250 in financial aid was distributed to 25 children in adverse circumstances across Hohhot and Helin, along with 26 pairs of Warrior-brand sneakers.

Individual Case Services / Updates on Well-being

Xiao Fang suffered a sudden, severe illness and was hospitalized in the ICU for two days. Upon arrival at the hospital, her blood pressure was dangerously low; doctors diagnosed her with heatstroke caused by anhidrosis (the inability to sweat), which prevented her body from regulating its temperature. As of now, Xiao Fang is out of critical condition; she has been taken off the ventilator and moved to a regular ward for observation. Upon learning of the situation, staff members immediately maintained close communication with her father and consulted with doctors to track her treatment progress. Xiao Fang’s father is also actively raising funds for her, hoping she will return home safe and sound soon.

Ruyue has finished her holiday job; however, commuting to work became difficult after she was struck by a vehicle while riding her e-bike home from a night shift. On September 5th, she officially enrolled at university, majoring in Big Data and Accounting; we wish her a wonderful new chapter in her university life.

Jiaxi, Huiting, Xiaoyan, Meiling, Jierong, Jianzhong, Jiashuo, and Weihong have all started junior high school. Jiaxi chose a school close to home that she was happy with, while Huiting moved from her village primary school to a junior high in Helin County—she is delighted to be attending what is considered the best school in the county. We hope all the children have a rewarding junior high experience.

Yilin, Haidong, and Jiahao chose vocational high schools in Inner Mongolia. Yilin is studying Mechatronics, Haidong is focusing on New Energy Vehicles, and Jiahao is learning Chinese culinary arts; they have already begun their training. New schools, new beginnings—the future looks promising.

Yao'en and Xiaofei enrolled in a program that bridges vocational and general high school curriculum, offering them the opportunity to take university entrance exams and pursue higher education in the future.

After considering Zhanhe’s personality and social skills, his mother decided—following a discussion—to enroll him in a nearby school specializing in intelligent technology.

Summer Camp Exploring the World Together

Summer Camp for Children's Growth

Organized by NDFH and planned by caring volunteers, children and teenagers from the Savannah and Path Finder Projects traveled to Beijing. Accompanied by volunteers—serving as uncles, aunts, and older siblings—they embarked on a four-day summer camp themed "Exploring the World Together, Growing in Love."

Day 1

Getting Acquainted and Exploring Technology

The children rose early, brimming with excitement as they headed to Beijing.

Upon arrival at the high-speed railway station, they were warmly welcomed by volunteers and staff who had been waiting for them.

Their first stop was Noitom, a robotics company. The founder, Dr. Dai, personally explained the history of robotics and cutting-edge technologies to the children, who also had the chance to interact with the robots face-to-face.

Faced with a spread of delicious food, the children’s joy was evident.

As they departed, the company presented each child with a gift—a miniature handheld microscope—opening the door for them to explore the microscopic world. 

A well-equipped campsite serves as a perfect playground for children to explore, play, run, and let loose.

Day 2

Drills and marching together

Donning cool camouflage uniforms, the children learned formation drills, saluting, and the national flag-raising ceremony.

Sweat and the scorching heat test their resilience and capabilities.

Instructors explain the history of the Great Wall's construction, teaching the children about their ancestors' spirit of overcoming adversity and defending their homeland.

Team members craft Great Wall models, experiencing the spirit of cooperation and perseverance.

In the evening, they pitch tents and enjoy a cookout; by participating in outdoor cooking and food preparation, the children learn to serve others and share a sense of gratitude.

Day 3

Climbing the Great Wall - courage every step of the way

Day 3 marks the highlight of the journey: a visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in Beijing.

Riding the cable car, majestic mountain ranges unfold before their eyes.

Steep stone steps bear witness to the toil of ancient craftsmen.

The imposing, perilous passes reveal the determination of the Chinese people to resist invaders and safeguard their homeland.

Climbing the rugged peaks requires mutual support and helping hands.

Gazing out after the exertion, their racing hearts appreciate the history.

Fortunate children—do you realize how many people are lifting and supporting you from behind?

Having reached the summit of the watchtower, you can certainly call yourselves "true heroes!”

Yet we know that the men lifting those wheelchairs from behind are the true heroes—the real champions! 

A young man passing by gifted his walking stick to Theodore—such a spontaneous act of kindness was truly touching.

The children who persevered to reach the furthest point of the challenge demonstrated their courage in the face of difficulty.

A concert after nightfall—a time to share songs and happiness.

Day 4

Railway Development: Advancing at Speed

On the final day, we visited the China Railway Museum. From the very first steam locomotive to modern high-speed trains traveling at 400 km/h, we traced the evolution of railway transport step-by-step and gained a vivid look at the history of railway construction.

Various exhibition zones showcased the locomotive styles and behind-the-scenes stories of different eras.

The children grew even closer to the volunteers—the big brothers, sisters, uncles, and aunts—who had accompanied them so warmly throughout the trip.

The wonderful four-day summer camp drew to a close. Their reluctance to part ways reflected how much they cherished this enriching educational journey. From experiencing cutting-edge technology up close to touching wheels that bore the marks of time, the children satisfied their curiosity, engaged in physical activity, and vastly broadened their horizons. 

On the return journey, they carried gifts from the volunteers—mini-microscopes, neck fans, delicious pastries, and even massagers for their caregivers—while their hearts overflowed with joyful memories and deep gratitude.

Every wave goodbye held the promise of looking forward to the next journey!

What can love change? It means walking alongside you and growing with you!

Reflections from the Children

“The journey of this summer camp was both fulfilling and healing; the diverse activities broadened my horizons and enriched my knowledge. From the thrilling and fun CS (combat simulation) team-building game and the hands-on Great Wall DIY craft to climbing the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall and visiting the Beijing Railway Museum—steeped in history—every experience is deeply etched in my heart. I witnessed Beijing’s bustling modernity and rich cultural heritage firsthand, finding joy in exploration and growing continuously throughout this educational journey.” ❤

— Yujie

“What I’ll remember most is the moment I cooked a meal for the other children—the older ones who looked out for us and the younger ones who joined in. In our daily lives, the older kids quietly care for and accommodate us, offering us their gentleness and patience while often neglecting their own needs. This rare opportunity allowed me to return the favor and care for them in turn, using a simple meal to show my appreciation for their long-standing companionship and kindness.”

— Nan

“This educational trip to Beijing was not just about broadening my horizons; it was a heartwarming journey of personal growth. I gained friendships, new insights, and a heart full of gratitude. Moving forward, I will carry this warmth and emotion with me, remaining kind and striving to grow, ensuring I live up to this precious kindness and opportunity.”

— Yongqiang