Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Winter Study Tour to Beijing——Part 2

On January 26th, we took the children to visit the zoo, aquarium and CCTV Tower. Facing the rising sun, we took the first group photo of the day at the entrance of the aquarium.


The first exhibit to enter is the "Rain Forest" area. Going up the bridge to see the big Koi Carp and going down the bridge to see the colorful tropical fish. The children were dazzled by the beautiful tropical fish.



The deep-sea landscape and fish attract Samuel, Joy and Mia who could hardly stop looking - watching groups of small fish shuttle among the sharks. Mia and the volunteer who took care of her discovered a unique shark. Jacob was attracted by the huge white whale and stopped in front of the glass for a long time. The undersea sightseeing tunnel was amazing to walk through.



Jacob excitedly pointed at the elephant and told his brother that she saw an elephant rubbing against the wall to scratch itself; we saw antelopes and zebras that were relaxing outside. At the Amphibian and Reptile exhibit, we saw poison dart frogs, lizards, crocodiles, salamanders... there are so many species that the children can't keep up with them.



The most anticipated stop at the zoo is the Panda House. The giant panda is indeed a national treasure, and the exhibit was crowded with people. The children are relatively small in stature, but they rushed to the front to see the giant pandas up close. The shining eyes and expectant face turned into a "Wow~" the moment they saw the giant pandas.



After leaving the zoo, we took a bus to the CCTV Tower. The CCTV Tower was once the tallest building in Beijing. From the top of the tower, you can overlook the entire city of Beijing.

 



Although the wind was strong and the temperature was low, it did not stop the children's excitement. They looked around and took photos and were still full of excitement when they left.



The last day of the trip soon came. As a final treat we decided to take the children to the ice and snow world inside the Bird's Nest!



On the circular snow mountain park, the children had a great time climbing up and down, sometimes sliding on the slide, and sometimes using molds to make ducks. Samuel liked to swing on the cherry blossom swing; Jacob chose to lie in a snow top and spin. In Galaxy Paradise the children sat on rubber rings and slide down the hill quickly, feeling the speed...

 


After leaving the Bird's Nest, the children and volunteers took photos with the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube in the background. Everyone was reluctant to leave, and some volunteers agreed to see them again next time.



Before heading to the train station our long-time friend Jin Dingxuan invited the children to have a meal. Braised Pork, Salt and Pepper Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple, dine to your heart’s content! Every child was well fed and enjoyed the food.

 


Three beautiful days passed by in a blink of an eye, and the trip came to an end. In just a few days, we witnessed the growth of the children: Benjamin began to learn to share; Mia couldn't bear to sit in the car for a long time, no longer complained; Samuel who needed someone to hold him, insisted on walking on his own on the last day... .This short journey not only allowed the children to grow, but also made them feel loved.


The passage of time reveals the beauty of life. We hold hands with each other and use our warmth and love to bring the children a fresh and unforgettable trip to Beijing. This also further confirms our new theme for the new year.



May we all sow more seeds of life in the new year and witness more of the beauty of life!


If you would like more information about helping children please contact us.