With the holiday season in full swing, many expats will be reaching for their checkbooks to complete the annual round of charity donations. However, those who have the time, or the means, should consider volunteering instead.
Besides feeling good, some evidence suggests that the benefits of volunteering could extend to physical health as well. According to a study published this August by the journal BMC Public Health, volunteers have “lower self-rated levels of depression” and are “a fifth less likely to die within the next four to seven years than average.” Though it is believed to be particularly good for older people because it gets them to spend more time out of the house, a separate American study suggests a link between volunteering and better cardiovascular health in high school students.
Volunteering can also help you understand the often complex issues surrounding a given cause, which in turn allows you to become a more effective advocate for society’s weakest groups – the most vulnerable of which are women and children. With this in mind, we profile five Beijing-based social enterprises, schools, and charities that focus on helping infants, children, teens, and abused women.
Bethel China 爱百福
Bethel’s mission is to help children with visual impairments live life to the fullest. The organization provides full-time care and education in a safe and loving environment for orphans with visual impairments who come from orphanages across China. Bethel was founded in 2003 when French couple Guillaume and Delphine Gauvain welcomed three visually-impaired orphans into their own home. Now, Bethel cares for 70 orphans ranging in age from infant to adult (the majority being under 13) at four project sites. This month, the organization marks its 10th anniversary.
Current notable projects
Bethel China runs four foster homes and education projects. One of these projects provides primary education for children aged 0-6. When they graduate, they move to Beijing to attend the Beijing School for the Blind and learn independent living skills under Bethel’s care. Bethel has a separate project for children with multiple disabilities (including but not limited to visual impairment and autism).
As well as foster care, Bethel runs an outreach and education project for families with a visually-impaired child. The aim is to encourage and assist these families by distributing educational materials, holding training workshops, and organizing support groups.
Types of volunteers needed
Full-time volunteers (three months to one year) can live onsite at Bethel and work with the kids in a classroom setting. This is a great opportunity for gap year students.
Consistent part-time volunteers can commit to tasks like teaching the kids or working at the office in administration, events, or special projects once a week.
From time to time, Bethel needs photographers, “IT nerds” (as they put it), web designers, videographers, graphic designers, researchers, translators and advocates. Those interested in pro bono opportunities can request to be added to a list of potential volunteers.
Preferred time commitment
The longer, the better. Bethel values consistency and commitment. That being said, each volunteer’s skills and schedule will be taken into consideration. Volunteers in administration roles must complete projects within a given time frame while part-time volunteers must ideally commit for a minimum of six months.
Can kids and teens get involved?
Yes, if they are consistent and committed. Bethel has had some great teenage interns in the past who have helped with projects like graphic design, videography, translation, teaching, and fundraising.
Other ways to help
Groups are welcome to visit one of Bethel’s project sites to meet the kids or even take them on a trip. Previous outings include ice skating, adventure parks, swimming pools, the Braille library, and the Great Wall. Schools, families, and companies can also volunteer for a day by working on Bethel’s farm or doing another service project.
Another way to help is to buy Bethel’s 2014 calendar. Each month features a different piece of artwork to show that children can be creative even without their sight. Each calendar costs RMB 50 or RMB 30 for orders of 1,000 and more with your company or school logo.
Finally, if you are considering adoption, Bethel has “some of the most amazing kids in the world who would jump into a family with both feet.”
Most-needed donations
Bethel’s Child Sponsorship program financially covers all aspects of the children’s lives, including accommodations, nannies’ salaries, education, food, activities, and medical care. For RMB 300 a month, you will get matched with a sponsor child and receive regular updates about their lives. If you live in Beijing, you can even visit and get to know them.
Bethel’s most pressing material needs include rice, milk powder, diapers, baby wipes, cleaning supplies, craft supplies, and toys and clothes for children aged 0-12.
English-speaking staff members?
Yes, ask for Chloe Banks.
Contact: 8031 0383, info@bethelchina.org, www.bethelchina.org
Volunteer Testimonial
“My experience at Bethel was amazing. In nine months, I did a little bit of everything but focused my time and energy on the pre-school class. Each of [the students]had a different personality and every day was a challenge. They had to learn English with a [Spanish-speaking] girl – believe me, it was challenging for them too! But we learned together and we had fun.
I am so happy to see how much [Bethel is] growing and helping the blind population in China. Each person who works there is important and I know this is just the beginning.
Bethel is an amazing place for anyone who is willing to give the little ones the love they deserve – but [especially for those who are ready to]receive their love. When I first arrived, I had many expectations but never thought that I would fall in love with each of them and watch them grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually. They are all so sweet, smart, and full of energy that you will never get tired [of them].”
– Priscilla (Costa Rica), primary school teacher
Chunmiao Little Flower 春苗小花
Chunmiao Little Flower is a non-profit organization that provides specialized care to abandoned children in China. One of the recipients of this year’s Chi Fan for Charity, Little Flower reaches out to “those without a voice – infants and children of all ages who have been rejected, discarded, and orphaned.” It does so through direct care, support, and education.
The organization was founded in 1995 by Americans Brent and Serena Johnson, who met in China in 1990 as exchange students. It was registered in the US as a non-profit in 1998 and received 501(c)(3) status (an IRS code denoting a non-profit organization) in 2000.
Since then, Little Flower has expanded to other areas of northern China. Last year, the organization changed its name from “Little Flower Projects” to “Chunmiao Little Flower” after partnering with Beijing Chunmiao Children’s Aid Foundation. Little Flower now operates as Chunmiao’s Orphan Care Division in parallel with the Medical and Social Work Divisions.
This partnership empowers Little Flower to not only provide critical medical care to abandoned children, but to prevent abandonment at the source by providing medical treatment to children from poor families.
Current notable projects
Special Care for Infants: Little Flower’s infant homes provide intensive care for abandoned babies with complex medical needs. These include preemies, babies with club feet, and those born with birth defects and other illnesses that require ongoing nursing. These infants stay with Little Flower until they are strong enough to be adopted.
Hospice Care for Orphans: The hospice program provides comfort, love, and care to orphaned children who are dying. Although it is difficult to watch little ones suffer from a terminal illness, Little Flower considers it a privilege to care for these children and fill their short lives with happiness.
Group Educational Foster Care: These homes allow physically-disabled school-age orphans to live in a supportive family environment while attending school and acquiring independent life skills. The children have a wide range of physical disabilities, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, limb deformities, speech difficulties, deafness, and visual impairment.
Long-Term Care: This program is designed for older disabled orphans with severe mental and physical impairments who cannot be adopted or live independently as adults. This work is “not for the faint-hearted and the rewards can be subtle,” but Little Flower considers this work to be “the most profoundly human.”
Early Education Center: This Montessori-based early education center for disabled orphans (ages 3-9) provides an individualized curriculum to each student. The aim is to build a solid academic foundation for lifelong learning.
Special causes: Little Flower is often approached for help with special situations. These might involve individual orphans, children at high risk for abandonment, or impoverished families with a particular financial need. Special causes have included requests for life-saving surgery, school tuition, and foster care for children with pending adoptions.
Type of volunteers needed
Currently, the organization needs volunteers for its English Language Development and Marketing team. Specifically, Little Flower is looking for volunteers with web development, graphic design, marketing, blogging, and video skills. Tasks include helping to improve the website’s functionality, designing visual materials (flyers, brochures, posters, logos, graphics, and more), writing stories for the blog, and filming, editing, and producing video content.
For now, Little Flower is not in need of volunteers to hold or play with the children. However, if you think you can contribute to the baby home and make a long-term commitment, contact the organization and the medical team will see if your skills correspond with its requirements.
Preferred time commitment
Little Flower is all about commitment when it comes to volunteers, especially for those who come into contact with the kids. The ideal volunteer is extremely dedicated, passionate about what they do, and committed to being consistent with their role. All volunteers give a regular time commitment, ranging from a couple of days a week to full-time work.
Can kids or teens be involved?
Yes, kids and teens can get involved by organizing fundraisers in their neighborhood. Little Flower depends on donors, but spreading the word is also important.
Other ways to help
Fundraising is not just for kids and teens. It is the single best way for people to get involved because it hits both of the organization’s goals in one go: raising money and awareness. For more information on organizing your own fundraiser, visit www.chunmiaolittleflower.org/fundraise.
Most-needed donations
Little Flower’s most pressing needs are always financial, since
covering the nannies’ salaries and the children’s medical expenses are round-the-clock endeavors. If you are interested in giving material donations, check the organization’s most current needs on its website
(www.chunmiaolittleflower.org/current-needs-list).
English-speaking staff members?
Yes, there are some English-speaking Chinese staff members, as well as the English Language Development and Marketing teams.
Contact: 8047 7137, info@chunmiaolittleflower.org,
www.chunmiaolittleflower.org
Volunteer Testimonial
“I started volunteering at Little Flower at the beginning of the year. My husband and I were looking for a place to give our time after moving to Beijing. As soon as I walked into Little Flower, I knew that they saw the importance of all the children they cared for.
As a volunteer, I’ve helped toddlers learn how to crawl, hold and feed babies who need physical touch and bonding, and spend time with children who are terminally ill so they are not alone in their final days.
My newest task at Little Flower is to provide ‘kangaroo care’ for premature babies. This entails holding the baby skin-to-skin so they are able to regulate their body temperature, breathing, and heart rate more easily. It also helps them develop physically, mentally, and emotionally.
It is truly an honor to spend time loving and serving babies who have been given up and who need people to care for them. Little Flower gives me the opportunity to make a difference in their lives during our time in China.”
– Kendra Spring (US), baby home volunteer
Beijing Dandelion Middle School 北京市大兴区蒲公英中学
Founded in 2005, Dandelion is the first and only non-profit middle school designed for children from low-income migrant families. Driven by a mission of “access to quality education for migrant children,” Dandelion has had 800 graduates over the years who would otherwise have likely ended up on the streets. Instead, most of these graduates are now studying in high schools, vocational schools, and universities both in China and overseas.
Current notable projects
Dandelion’s major projects include Duke Engage, a volunteer program sponsored by Duke University; Eco-campus sponsored by Cummins, which involves all students and teachers to make the campus environmental friendly by using recycled materials; Scholarship program by Kouk Foundation that provides scholarship for 98 students.
Types of volunteers needed
The school needs many volunteers to teach or tutor students in English. Music and art are also in demand.
Preferred time commitment
The time commitment can be quite flexible depending on volunteers’ individual schedules. It can range from just a few hours to days, months, a semester, or even an entire year.
Can kids or teens get involved?
Of course! Kids and teens can lead activities related to subjects such as art, music, PE, and reading with their Chinese peers.
Other ways to help
Readers can also make monetary donations of any size, participate in Dandelion’s annual fundraising event, or buy products from the Dandelion Social Enterprise store, whose proceeds directly benefit the school.
Most-needed donations
Food and money to cover the students’ after-school activities and the teachers’ research.
English-speaking staff? Yes.
Contact: Beijing Dandelion Middle School, Shoubaozhuang Village, Xihongmen Township, Daxing District (Ms. Kan Zhao: 150 0125 7340, zhaokai_pgy@163.com) www.dandelionschool.org 大兴区西红门镇寿宝庄村
Volunteer Testimonial
“[The two weeks I volunteered with Dandelion] were incredibly life-changing – teaching, learning, laughing, singing, dancing, eating handpicked grapes, taking embarrassing videos, and making beautiful memories [with the students]. [I saw the students’ commitment to themselves and to their studies] over and over again.”
I was fascinated by our ability to connect despite the language barriers and cultural differences. What made it possible for us to form such bonds and a sense of community? As part of the Dandelion School, we are familiar with the saying, “It takes a lot of love to live.” I really think that was the answer to my question: love. Without my love for the students and the love they had for me, the formation of this second family would not have happened.
– Tom Jeon (US), volunteer music teacher
New Life Centre (NLC)
New Life Center (NLC) is a locally-registered residential learning center. It was founded by Ginny Bai, who first came to China in the early 1990s to study Chinese language and culture. After noticing that there were many uneducated and uncared for children, she rented a space with her own money in 2001 and started taking in at-risk youths.
NLC currently provides care and education for 15 boys and girls (ages 8-19) and four others studying in vocational colleges. Until last January, NLC had 50 children. However, many of the older ones wanted to start working despite being underage; with their parents’ permission, they took up factory jobs in different parts of China.
Current notable projects
NLC has two main projects: the Back to School project and the Teen Education Projects. The former offers impoverished youth the chance to get a primary and middle school education, while the latter sponsors poor teenagers to attend technical vocational schools or universities. In addition, the center offers music enrichment classes.
As each student’s individual talents emerge, they are encouraged to take specific courses at local institutions. Training includes internships at various companies and introductions to future employers. Past courses have been in fields such as IT, law, engineering, animation, accountancy, computer design, web design, hotel management and tourism, and electrical wiring.
Types of volunteers needed
“Volunteers are priceless,” says Bai, particularly as there “no culture of volunteering” in China. As a result, she has been hiring local teaching staff. NLC is looking for part-time volunteers to teach English and music during the week, and play games, do crafts, and draw with the kids on weekends.
The school also needs volunteers to help man tables at various bazaars, pitch fundraising ideas, network with potential corporate sponsors, and tell their friends about NLC.
Preferred time commitment
Ideally, volunteers would be able to commit for at least six months.
Can kids or teens get involved?
From Bai’s experience, children and teens do not necessarily have the focus to teach others and require a lot of supervision. However, they can still help NLC by organizing donation drives and spreading the word about the school’s mission.
Other ways to help
Readers can also sponsor NLC’s children. For RMB 150 per month, you can buy a child one hot meal per day while RMB 800 per month covers their education and full care. The center provides regular reports so donors know how their funds are being used and how the child is doing.
Most-needed donations
It costs RMB 40,000 per month to keep NLC in operation, so the school’s most pressing needs are always financial. Regular funds would cover rent, staff wages, utilities, food, and other operating requirements.
In terms of material needs, fans are much appreciated during the summer. Air conditioning units, though the more obvious answer, would only add to the electricity bill. NLC would also benefit from a photocopier, a printer/scanner, and white board markers. For a full list of physical needs, visit the center’s website.
English-speaking staff? Yes, Bai is a native English speaker.
Contact: 139 1177 9630, newlife.centre@yahoo.com,
www.thenewlifecentre.wix.com/thenewlifecentre
Volunteer Testimonial
“Volunteering with the New Life Centre was an amazing experience. My love for language and communications aside, it was a pleasure to teach English because of the impact it made to the lives of these students, who come from backgrounds with few or no opportunities.
Whatever field one chooses, fluency in English gives an extra boost on one’s resume. It is my hope that I was able to give these children an advantage in higher learning and – eventually – in their careers.
The students were all bright and eager to learn. Though we all have our “off days,” they seemed to understand the importance of education and together we always found ways to make class fun. The students’ enthusiasm and friendliness made teaching a joy.
I’m truly grateful to have found this opportunity and I hope that others will take similar steps to help improve the lives of these children through education.”
– Wren Howard (US), volunteer English teacher
Starfish Project 海兴公司
In 2006, a group of people witnessed the reality of exploited women trapped within their communities. With a desire to offer these women jobs that honored their dignity and value, a socially responsible jewelry company called Starfish Project was born.
Starfish also provides alternative employment, vocational training, and a variety of holistic care services to exploited women. The project’s mission is to restore hope to these women through ethical and sustainable business practices, and empowering them to achieve their potential through educational opportunities and an integrative approach.
Currently employing 30 women ranging in age from early 20s to early 50s, Starfish has offices in Beijing and two other Chinese cities. The organization also regularly reaches out to over 700 women still trapped in exploitative situations.
Current notable projects
Starfish is always looking to expand its jewelry operations and Holistic Care Department. The latter provides vocational training (language learning, computer skills, health and nutrition, parenting, and marriage counseling), counseling, and oversees the shelter where some of the women live.
Over the past season, seven women have joined the company. As a result, the Riverside branch is preparing a new working environment with more space and more vocational training and holistic care activities.
Starfish is launching two new courses at its headquarters in Beijing (address available upon request): a professional writing course and a computer course that will certify the women in commonly-used office programs.
In addition, the company has just introduced its Asia Advocates of Hope program, which enlists supporters to raise awareness in their communities by sharing the Starfish story and selling Starfish jewelry.
Types of volunteers needed
As a growing social enterprise, Starfish is always in need of long- and short-term volunteers with experience in fields like marketing, communications, business development, human resources, and event planning. Opportunities are also available in holistic care and vocational training programs.
For those interested in sales, the Advocate of Hope program gives volunteers an opportunity to earn a commission by advocating for Starfish Project and selling Starfish jewelry from their own homes and communities.
Preferred time commitment
Depending on the nature of the activity or project, commitments can range from one day to full-time positions. Volunteers can spend a day raising awareness about Starfish by participating in a bazaar, a few weeks planning a charity event or fundraiser, or several months working in the sales and marketing team.
Can kids or teens get involved?
Definitely. Kids and teens are encouraged to get involved with Starfish Project by hosting fundraisers, jewelry parties, or awareness campaigns in their communities. Teens can also apply for the high school internship program, which provides hands-on business experience at a real live social enterprise.
Other ways to help
One of the best things that readers can do is throw a jewelry party. Spend an evening with friends, family, and coworkers, and share the vision and mission of Starfish Project. The organization can provide “party packs” complete with catalogs, an instructional booklet for the host, a DVD telling the story of Starfish Project, and more.
Readers can also spread the word by buying and wearing the jewelry. Staff will be present at charity bazaars and other events throughout the holiday season, so look out for the Starfish booth.
Starfish is also hiring. As the enterprise expands, it seeks qualified and passionate individuals with experience in areas such as IT, sales, and marketing.
Most-needed donations
Starfish Project’s most pressing needs are financial. Monetary donations would help cover the development of its vocational training and holistic care programs, as well as its expansion into new locations. Donations can be made on the official Starfish Project website.
Another way to financially support the enterprise is by buying jewelry. Profits from each piece of jewelry go towards covering the women’s salaries, housing, healthcare, educational grants, vocational training, and counseling.
English-speaking staff? All of the project’s staff members – local and international – speak English.
Contact: volunteer@starfish-project.com, www.starfish-project.com
Volunteer Testimonial
“‘What am I doing with my time in Beijing? I want to engage, but just don’t know how.’ I had those thoughts when I first moved here. But then, I was introduced to the Starfish Project. The beauty of the jewelry first caught my eye and drew me in at a bazaar; the Project’s mission kept me coming back.
Upon leaving Starfish’s table that day with new jewelry in hand, my heart was stirred. While I wasn’t sure what I could offer, I asked to become more involved. Starfish then had an immediate need of packaging jewelry for the busy holiday season. I agreed to come in and place price tags on the jewelry.
As I sat in that workroom peeling and sticking, I listened to the ladies giggle, sing and talk. I found myself greatly admiring them: their courage to walk away from one life and put their trust in Starfish for another, their commitment to their new jewelry work, and to personal healing and growth.
Packaging jewelry soon led to jewelry parties in my home, selling jewelry at bazaars, and supporting the women’s lessons in English, computer skills, sewing, cooking, and design – all building [their]earning power.
Over the years, I’ve been privileged to hear stories of hope and courage, and to catch glimpses of true beauty. It is inspiring, deeply impactful, and real. Consider a way you could respond. You may be amazed at the next chapter of your story.”
– Shannon Allen (US), Starfish jewelry vendor and vocational training volunteer
photo courtesy of Bethel China
This article originally appeared on p68-75 of the beijingkids December 2013 issue.
Check out the PDF version online at Issuu.com
