A week later, reflecting on the "Dream Building Summer Camp" project at Songlin Elementary School, the volunteer team played a crucial role. Over the course of 13 days, volunteers lived and ate together with the children, engaging in activities such as poetry, painting, and using music to dispel worries. The children at the camp greatly benefited from the companionship of the volunteer brothers and sisters, and the successful conclusion of the camp wouldn't have been possible without the kind and lovely volunteers.
In this issue, we delve into the perspective of volunteers during the growth camp, sharing carefully crafted poetry and artwork by the children under the guidance of volunteer teachers. At the same time, we look forward to listening together with readers to the voices of volunteer partners about their aspirations for the "distance."
Collect “Poetry”
Why Did the Camp Include Poetry Classes?
Children are the closest to poetry. For children, writing poetry isn't a mysterious endeavor; it's a playful interaction with language. — Shu Cai, “Writing Poetry is Really Fun”
Collect “Artwork”
Why Did the Camp Include Art Classes?
Every time I see a child scribbling and drawing on the streets, on asphalt roads, or on walls, I stop in my tracks... What they put on paper often surprises us... It can teach me something every time... — Pablo Picasso
Collect “Dreams”
Their poetry and art are the dream in the distance.
I yearn for poetry and distant places, so I came to Songlin Elementary School as a volunteer teacher, carrying poetry and dreams. Two weeks of being together made me realize that poetry and distant places can be very concrete. The children's poetry and artwork, their joy and laughter, and the gradually opening doors of their hearts... these are the ideals and distant places I've been seeking. Not saying goodbye, looking forward to the next reunion! — Songlin Elementary School Volunteer Team
Voices of Volunteers
"The greatest part was being fulfilled and having fun. Under the guidance, encouragement, and support of Lianxin, the project took shape and was successfully implemented. With careful support from the school and local connections, issues related to safety, accommodation for child volunteers, and other daily life matters were addressed one by one. Under the support of the music companionship program by LY Foundation, children and volunteers opened up their hearts through music. This facilitated the integration of volunteers and children and provided companionship for disadvantaged children.
"Volunteers optimized course design and teaching methods, offering guidance for the children's growth. They observed and provided feedback on each child's situation during the process of accompanying them. After each day's activities, they reviewed and jointly found solutions to any issues, ensuring the smooth implementation of the project. Throughout the project, sparks were created through the interaction between volunteers, children, local social workers, and volunteer groups. Everyone, to varying degrees, experienced personal growth during this period. For me, this will be an extremely important and bright memory. It strengthened my commitment to public welfare, provided personal growth, and they cherish the encounter. How fortunate it is to meet a group of shining individuals, moving forward together, working hard for a common cause – it's cool!"
Voices of Social Workers
"It was exhausting sometime, but when I saw the children, volunteers, and other partners involved in the camp all having fun and showing smiles, I felt that it was all worthwhile. I look forward to having more opportunities like this to organize everyone to participate in public welfare activities, to jointly focus on the psychological well-being of children in need and the development of underdeveloped areas."
Author: Yufan | Review: Victor
