Protecting Children's Well-being

In addition to routine care, the well-being of children remains a significant priority for many. Recently, we partnered with the Beijing United Family Medical Aid Foundation to bring a specialized medical team from United Family Healthcare to Ulanqab Children's Welfare Institute, where they provided essential medical support over two days.

The team comprised skilled doctors, pharmacists, and dedicated volunteers.

The services offered were customized to meet the unique needs of the children at the institute, concentrating on three main areas: mental health and psychiatry, pediatric orthopedics, and pediatric dentistry.

This strategy enabled focused evaluations, health assessments, and expert advice aimed at tackling prevalent health concerns linked to the children's stages of development.

Medical Support

Dr. Liu Chen, the Director of Psychiatry at the Beijing United Family Mental Health Center, offered expert diagnostic evaluations for 19 children and adolescents, engaging in individual psychological counseling sessions with several of them. The insights and care recommendations provided by the doctors enriched the knowledge of the institute's medical staff, as well as our specialized education and nursing teams, offering numerous practical and professional perspectives.

Dr. Sun Lin, Director of Pediatric Orthopedics at Beijing United Family Jingbei Women's and Children's Hospital, conducted screenings for orthopedic issues in 16 children. Valuable guidance was given for those requiring additional treatment.

Dr. He Mengya from the United Family Dental Department conducted oral examinations for 52 children, offering treatment recommendations for various issues including cavities, dental calculus, and tooth misalignment. In collaboration with "Zhenghe Dental," a team led by Dr. Kou contributed by providing professional treatment equipment and medical supplies at no cost. Thanks to the seamless partnership between these two expert teams, children in need received complimentary teeth cleaning and filling services. Furthermore, individual oral health records were updated for each child, along with guidance for ongoing dental care.

Training & Knowledge Sharing

Psychotherapist Zhang Ping held a session called "Self-Care for Caregivers" aimed at the frontline care team at the institute. Acknowledging the unique pressures and challenges that come with caregiving, she offered a wealth of practical strategies for emotional management and overall well-being. Her focus on the important concept that "frontline caregivers must prioritize their own health while attending to the needs of the children" resonated deeply with our "caregiver moms," making them feel both understood and supported. Additionally, she equipped them with the tools and confidence necessary to strike a balance between self-care and the demands of caring for children with special needs.

The time of a professional doctor is invaluable. During the children's naptime, we had the privilege of inviting several physicians and department heads to deliver pro bono medical lectures for our staff, focusing on common health issues and caregiving challenges faced at the children's welfare home. The discussions covered a range of topics, including multidisciplinary approaches to treating children with cerebral palsy, the psychological and behavioral development of children and adolescents, oral health education, and self-care strategies for caregivers.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the medical team from United Family Healthcare for generously offering their time to visit the children and provide such invaluable health support. It is through compassionate efforts like yours that we witness the transformative power of love; each act of care you extend serves as essential nourishment and a lasting source of inspiration for the children as they journey through life.

A Simple Yet Remarkable Film Experience

A Simple Yet Remarkable Film Experience 

"Stream and Sunshine" Character Education Class, Ninth Session - Film Viewing at Qingshui River 

For many, watching a film is just another routine part of life.  Two hours of unwinding, a tub of popcorn, and a narrative that will soon be replaced by the next moments of everyday existence.  

However, for the children at Qingshui River, a trip to the movies is anything but mundane.

The Winter Solstice marks the longest night and the chilliest day of the year. On this occasion, families come together to enjoy a warm meal of dumplings, harnessing the heat of the food to fend off the cold, while finding solace in each other's company. Amidst this season of tradition, and with Christmas and New Year on the horizon, we reunited with the children for a small yet meaningful winter adventure: heading to the cinema to catch Zootopia 2.

Anticipation Unfazed by Winter's Chill 

The initial plan for a film screening had to be delayed due to an unexpected heavy snowfall. While the thick snow may have obstructed the roads leading to Qingshui River, it couldn’t dampen the children's excitement. During those days, the kids bombarded us with messages asking, "When will we go to the movies?" Meanwhile, parents were actively reaching out to teachers to discuss leave arrangements, eager for their children to be able to join in on the experience.

The wait wasn't too lengthy, and at last, the much-anticipated day had come. After lunch, the children eagerly scanned the surroundings between the campus and the dormitories. When they discovered that the staff had arrived at the school gate, they clutched their leave slips tightly and rushed out one by one, their faces beaming with uncontainable excitement.

A Subtle Harmony of Life 

In the cinema lobby, the children instinctively formed a line, speaking softly and waiting patiently. When the announcement came, "You can enter now," they collected their movie tickets, drinks, and popcorn in an orderly fashion. Their joyful yet slightly bashful expressions were heartwarming and genuine.  

As the lights dimmed and the big screen flickered to life, the story of Zootopia 2 began to unfold. The film depicted animals striving to break free from societal labels, confront prejudice, and discover their true place in the world. Vulnerable characters faced skepticism about their abilities, and their previously established identities were continually put to the test. Yet, time and again, they stumbled and rose, learning resilience through challenges and growing stronger through the belief others had in them.

The children in the theater reacted with laughter and tension as the plot unfolded with its twists and turns. While they may not have been able to articulate the film’s deeper themes, the intensity of their focused gazes revealed a quiet connection. It was clear that each life, in its pursuit of existence, is on a quest to find its rightful place in the world.

For these children, growth is a courageous journey. They contend with not just homework and exams, but also the challenges posed by cold, distance, circumstances, and the realities of life. The film softly conveys an important message: origins do not dictate one's destiny, and labels do not define the future. When someone believes in you, it provides an added strength to forge ahead.  

Memories infused with kindness linger long in the heart. 

As the film concluded and we made our way out of the theater, the brisk air greeted us, a stark contrast to the warmth of our shared experience. Many of the children were dressed lightly; some insisted they weren’t cold, while others mentioned they hadn’t worn their winter school coats. At the theater entrance, we handed out thoughtfully prepared "warmth kits" filled with scarves, gloves, and hats.  

The warmth that spread from their bodies to their hearts was palpable. Xiao Kaiqi cheerfully addressed the camera, exclaiming, "Thank you, uncles and aunties, for the warmth." Weihong, clad in thin clothing, nodded enthusiastically after donning her new gear, exclaiming, "I feel really warm now." Xiaofei declared he wouldn’t be cold during his morning runs anymore, while Meiling joyfully expressed her love for the gift. Jiashuo noticed a deer on his scarf and remarked that it felt like a New Year’s present. Ziyi asked us to extend her best wishes to her teacher. Some children offered few words, simply smiling quietly, but their faces clearly radiated joy and warmth.

In the city, a movie and a scarf might seem like trivial things. However, for these children, they represented a thoughtfully orchestrated gesture of companionship and an experience of receiving kindness. In the chill of winter, the message was clear: "You are remembered, you are acknowledged, and you truly deserve to be treated well."

Hardship extends beyond mere material scarcity; it often manifests as a deficiency in those seemingly mundane moments that nourish the spirit. It is through these small yet steadfast gestures that a child's sense of security, self-worth, and trust in the world are cultivated over time.  

While a movie may be brief, the memories of being nurtured and cared for endure long after the credits roll. May this warmth and sense of companionship continue to light the way on the journey of each child's growth.