Whenever life doesn’t seem to go as planned, or we encounter a bump in the road, it’s easy to fixate on those problems and let them consume all of our mental energy. However, when this happens, we run the risk of losing sight of all those things that are going well, which, more often than not, are the things we take for granted in the first place. Generally speaking, it’s pretty safe to say that no matter how bad things get, most of us have those basic necessities that provide for a comfortable and secure life; health, love, shelter, financial stability, and food. Unfortunately, though, there are a lot of people in this world — either clear across it or right in our own backyard — who don’t have basic amenities. Thankfully, students at Beijing’s international schools know not only how to count their blessings, but how to share them as well.
A few took time out of their busy schedules to tell us about the organizations they volunteer with, and what it means to them.
Canadian International School Beijing: Days For Girls
Founded 2008
Students:
Jood Q., 16 Years Old, Grade 11, Volunteering for 4 years
Julia T., 18 Years Old, Grade 12, Volunteering for 3 years
Lucia G., 14 Years Old, Grade 9, Volunteering for 1 year
Rayna A., 11 Years Old, Grade 6, Volunteering for 1 year
Emmanuelle E., 18 Years Old, Grade 12, Volunteering for 2 years
What is Days for Girls’ mission?
“Days for Girls’ mission is to help every girl everywhere have access to safe and healthy menstruation management with our DFG USA patented kit. The kit contains two pairs of panties, two shields, eight liners, soap, a care card, a washcloth, and a bag to secure things. A zip lock is included, but that will be phased out by next year to help support climate change.*” – Jood Q.
*Days for Girls is part of a global mission and not a CISB founded charity. The kits are created under the supervision of quality control experts.
Why did you get involved?
“I was a new student who joined CISB in 2016 and was trying to choose an after-school activity (ASA). All the ASAs were pretty basic to me, but when I was introduced to Days for Girls I was amazed as to how our community can help such a great and unique cause!” – Jood Q.
“One of my close friends was the leader of the DFG club at our school and she told me all about the organization. I felt like it was a great opportunity to get more involved with my school and do something amazing for our society.” – Julia T.
“I got involved because at the assembly and at the ASA (After School Activities) Fair, they not only explained it extremely well, but it was very shocking to me that girls in other countries have to miss school just because they are on their periods. The people in the club are very inspiring individuals which motivated me to join even more.” – Lucia G.
“I came to the school and I was super excited to join activities like drama club, dance team, etc. Then, I saw a poster that said ‘DAYS FOR GIRLS.’ I came to the table and asked what it was about and then I instantly knew it was a cause I had to join.” – Rayna A.
“When I first came to this school in grade 10 I was looking for a club to join, my friend Julie introduced me to Days For Girls and how it helped girls in Nepal. After hearing this I immediately wanted to join the club. I wanted to involve myself in something where I could give back and learn how to be more open-minded.” – Emmanuelle E.
What have you learned from your experience volunteering?
“I have learned so many things. By volunteering to be a part of DFG at CISB, I learned more about the living conditions of girls in other countries such as Nepal. I learned how to make sanitary products with fabric. I learned how the products we help to produce are used and how they benefit girls.” – Julia T.
Why do you think it’s important to volunteer or give back to the community?
“If we are privileged to have our daily essentials and wants, then it’s important that we take time to try and help those people who don’t have what we are blessed with.” – Jood Q.
“Giving back to the community and volunteering is crucial. It is important because it not only makes us more aware of what we do have, it also helps you connect with a community that is in need and want sour help.” – Lucia G.
What does volunteering and giving back to the community mean to you?
“It means a lot to me. Last year, [our parent advisor]Sarah went to Nepal and she sent us pictures of the kids we helped with our fundraising. Seeing their happy faces was the best feeling ever.” – Julia T.
“Volunteering and giving back means that you have empathy and that you are sharing positive things you have with people in need.” – Rayna A.
Is this your first time volunteering? If no, what other work have you done?
“This is not my first time volunteering. I have had quite a lot of experiences in the past. For example, last year, I took part in Roots and Shoots, where we collected plastic containers and had elementary [school]kids plant flowers and paint the plastic containers. My family and I also fostered two kittens for over three months. These were moving experiences.” Lucia G.
