09 Jun An inspirational home visit
Preparing for the opening of the child care centre, we took a few day conducting home visits in the mountainous area to understand more about the school-age children and their families.
One day, we went to a village far from the town. When we got off, we saw a little girl standing by the door alone from afar without the slightest smile on his face. Shouldn’t children at this age attending school? Why is she standing here all by herself?
We asked her︰ “why are you here alone? Don’t you go to school?” Probably because we were strangers, or because she rarely speaks Putonghua, she was reluctant to answer. After inquiry, we learned that this tiny girl was already 12 years old and in third grade. She had been out of school for over a year. Her dad was working away from hometown, and her mother was out, leaving her alone at home.
We seized the opportunity to speak with her patiently. Gradually, the child was willing to respond to us. We asked her if she wanted to go to school. She replied that she did not want to. I asked her why and she said it was because it was too far away from school and she wanted to stay home with her mother. Her family has difficulties and could not afford three children’s education and living expenses. She was the worst learner among three siblings, so she did not go to school.
The establishment of child care center is for the purpose of helping children who live afar to be able to attend school. We repeatedly encouraged her and wanted to know her thoughts, but she still said she did not wish to go to school. At her young age missing the opportunity to learn, her whole life was going to be impacted. We felt so sorry for her!
When we proceeded to visit other families nearby, we found this little girl following us at a distance. When we are about to leave a house, she shyly came over and asked our names. Her attitude changed a bit; she knew we were there to help children in need. Our friendliness broke her defense mechanism, and she was willing to reach out to us.
After lunch, we passed by her house again. She showed off a smile on her face and ran over to greet us. She even pulled the hand of a young teacher and called her “Jie Jie”. Knowing that her mother had returned home, we decided to visit her home again and encouraged her mother to give her an opportunity to study. We seriously asked this girl ︰ “Will you be willing to go to school if you can study at a school not too far and have someone to teach you when you do not understand?” Seeing our care and acceptance, and moved by our sincerity, the little girl finally nodded in response and said, “I am willing.” When someone gives a helping hand, the little girl’s mother, of course, wanted the child to continue to study.
We were so excited, encouraged and very grateful that the little girl finally changed her mind! It is precisely the purpose we open the child care center, to help the children in need and to give them opportunities and hope!
