ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 3450
ROTARACT CLUB OF MACAU
澳門扶輪青年服務團
[English Translation]
Foreword
Ip Pui Fai
Past President, Rotary Club of Macau
Advisor, Rotaract Club of Macau
When people speak about schools in poor mountain areas, they often describe dilapidated classrooms: tiled roofs that let in light and rain, thin crooked beams, and classroom floors that are still made of earth. The students are often described as pitiful children in ill-fitting clothes, wearing shoes without socks, their feet covered in mud. Such words and photographs are used to arouse sympathy and encourage donations.
But this should also lead us to think more deeply. Why is their learning environment so different from ours? Is it because they live in mountain areas where transport is difficult? Is it because they are ethnic minorities and some people think they do not need literacy? Is it because their parents and ancestors did not fight for these opportunities? Can we identify the root causes and change this situation?
For this reason, we should not only care about their primary and secondary education. We should also begin to care about the development of their university education and their thinking. We need to move to a higher level: to teach them how to fish, and to help them learn how to speak up and make their own demands.
Project Reflection
Elvo So Li
Community Service Director 2007/08
Rotaract Club of Macau
Sou Elvo
Organising the charity trip to Guangxi was a demanding task. Although I had the best committee I could possibly ask for, there were still many things to consider, plan, and do. During the busiest period, a friend asked me, “Why are you making yourself so busy?” At that moment, I could not give a genuine answer. It simply seemed natural for the Community Service Director to organise the trip. It was part of our Rotaract Club tradition, an activity passed down from my predecessors.
The answer came to me when I saw the smiling faces, heard the laughter, and felt the genuine human connection in Du’an. We brought material gifts to them, but they gave us spiritual gifts. In Macau, where everyone is busy making a living, we sometimes forget to make a life. In Du’an, I felt spiritually alive. I realised that life could be simple yet contented, difficult yet happy. I also discovered that when a group of committed people come together, we can change the world, both externally and internally.
Thank you to our sponsors, committee members, and participants for making this project a reality. It was truly an honour to be this year’s organiser.
Committee Members’ Reflections
Peggy Lei
International Service Director 2007/08
Rotaract Club of Macau
In 2007, I was finally able to take part in “Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007” and personally visit the schoolchildren in Du’an County, Guangxi. The feeling was very special and difficult to describe in words. Seeing the children’s innocence and their determination to study despite limited resources and harsh conditions was deeply moving and something we should learn from.
Financial and material support is very important to them, but they also look forward to our caring hearts. I sincerely hope this project will continue, so that our love can keep reaching Guangxi, and even farther places.
Carina Ma
Sergeant-at-Arms 2007/08
Rotaract Club of Macau
“Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007” has been held for eight years since 1999. Each year, the project visits primary schools in mountain areas and local secondary schools, bringing warmth and supplies to help students in need and improve their learning environment.
This was my third year participating. I have gone from joining the visiting group, to helping organise and carry out the project. I have seen the project develop and add new elements. In addition to distributing supplies, we have also organised English teaching, team games, sports competitions, “Draw My Wish”, introductions to Macau, magic shows, and other activities. Through these attempts and improvements, the project has become more colourful.
At first everything was unfamiliar, but this time some students remembered my name and warmly called me “Sister Little Ma”. One said, “Last time you had short hair!” Another said, “Sister Little Ma, we thought you were not coming this year.” I was touched that they remembered me.
Seeing their innocent and lovely smiling faces during the project made me believe that our efforts were worthwhile. I am very happy to have taken part in “Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007”. I hope this meaningful project can continue, carrying Macau’s care and enthusiasm to Guangxi and to other places in need.
Kevin Lei
Vice President 2007/08
Rotaract Club of Macau
Kevin Lei
Although I could not personally bring warmth to Guangxi this year, I was very happy to see from the photographs how satisfied and joyful the children were. “Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007” brings the love of city people to the mountain areas, while the children there also remind city people to cherish the happiness they already have. I saw many university students taking part enthusiastically. I hope more people will care about our primary schoolchildren in the mountain areas and continue the spirit of “Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007”. Finally, thank you to all committee members for arranging this activity. You all worked hard.
Dennis Lei
Club Member 2007/08
Rotaract Club of Macau
In a smile exchanged with the students of Guangxi, I saw the simplest form of human love. In their journey along mountain roads through wind, rain, and winter cold, I saw their strong desire to learn. This was my second time taking part in this educational assistance project, and the place felt much more familiar. I also saw that they were full of hope.
Love, learning, and hope will not come to an end with 2007. This is a story that will always continue.
Alex Lam
Club Service Director 2007/08
Rotaract Club of Macau
This poverty-relief visit left a deep impression on me, especially our visit to a badly deteriorated primary school in the mountains. It happened to rain that day, and the schoolyard immediately became pools of yellow mud. Yet the children play there every day. Looking inside, everything was dark, and the children study daily in that environment. From their concentrated expressions as they read, one could feel their firm determination to learn. They do not complain about poor conditions; instead, they work hard to live their lives with colour. I was moved by them and also felt ashamed of myself. I hope that when I next have the chance to visit, I will see them studying in a new environment.
At the secondary school, I was fortunate to watch a cultural performance. Each song and dance showed the students’ seriousness and their welcome to us, adding joy to the cold evening. I have now gone to Guangxi for two consecutive years, and I hope to go again next year, because each visit gives me different memories, spiritual inspiration, and self-reflection.
Eugenia Chan
Club Member 2007/08
Rotaract Club of Macau
Year after year, this was my third year participating in “Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007”. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, I was unable to travel to Guangxi with everyone this year. From taking part in the first year, to organising in the second and third years, every detail remains in my heart. What moved me most deeply were the smiles of the Guangxi children and the hope in their eyes. They taught me what simple happiness is, what a truly sincere smile is, and what the most basic form of love is.
Carmen Lei
Club Member 2007/08
Rotaract Club of Macau
Reflections of Life
The four-day charity trip to Guangxi during the Christmas break of 2007 was meaningful and memorable. We departed from Zhuhai at dawn and travelled for around eleven hours by minibus. Although the journey was difficult, it did not reduce our desire to visit the schoolchildren in Guangxi.
During the trip, we visited three local schools. The most memorable visit for me was to a school in the mountain region. To reach it, we had to take a jeep for about two and a half hours up the mountain. The road was rough and narrow, and even in a car it was not easy to pass through. One can imagine how dangerous it is for the children to walk to school under those conditions, along the edge of the mountain while cars pass by.
When we arrived, the school was a simple brick shelter. We immediately wanted to walk around and meet the children. We saw ceilings full of holes, rough floors, and torn wooden tables and chairs. These were their classrooms. Yet what we heard was not complaint or sighing, but pure laughter from the children and serious concentration in class. Electricity is a “luxury” in that region, so the children rely on sunlight passing through the roof into the classrooms. What happens when they have to study on rainy days?
We used our time to play with them and perform some magic. I was touched by their hospitality and smiles. Before leaving, I had thought that we were going there to help them and cheer them up with the materials we brought. In fact, they reminded me that life can be simple and that we should never take things for granted. I am thankful to have participated in the trip. It was a good reflection on life. What is life? We learn it from experience.
Angus Ma
Club Member 2007/08
Rotaract Club of Macau
From the day I decided to join this charity activity, I thought it would not be too bad and hoped to do something meaningful. To be honest, I did not expect that we could bring joy and love to the students there. In the end, I think we did. Thank you to all the members involved in this activity.
I deeply hope we let the children in need know that they are loved and cared for, not only by their families but also by people around the world. Love does exist in this world.
Reflection by a Member of the Macau Pharmacists Association
This was my first visit to schools in the mountain and remote areas of Guangxi. At one mountain primary school, I saw a small school beside beautiful hills, with only a few classrooms. There was no electricity or lighting. More than twenty pupils studied only by the light entering through the door and gaps between a few roof tiles. The floor was uneven earth, and the blackboard was rough and full of grooves. When the students saw dozens of young people come to teach, run activities, play games, and perform magic, every one of them showed an excited and happy smile. Although my own memories of primary school have faded, seeing their curiosity, innocence, and liveliness made me feel as if I had become twenty years younger.
To us in the city, the mountain pupils’ learning environment seemed very simple and inadequate. But for them and their families, the chance to study is already a great blessing. They hope that by studying more, they will one day improve life for themselves and their families, leave poverty behind, and improve the quality of life in their village. Although they live in remote mountains, their ambition has not been blocked by the surrounding peaks.
Because of material shortages, the mountain pupils have limited knowledge of the outside world, so they need more help and support from caring people. Even when they receive only a small amount of help, they try their best to turn it into many achievements. In contrast, primary pupils in Hong Kong and Macau have many material possessions but often do not realise how much they should cherish them. Are city people too fortunate, or do we simply take happiness for granted?
We also visited a secondary school which Rotary had supported for several years. Its facilities were much better. What surprised me most was the students’ liveliness and talent. At a welcoming performance, junior secondary students from different classes sang and danced in costumes as if they were professional performers. We university students from the city watched with great admiration. Their talents showed me that, even in poorer areas, people with ability and potential can be nurtured into outstanding young people. Those students who can enter a well-equipped school with good teachers are fortunate. I hope that in future, more students with potential will receive good training and education.
Taking part in this meaningful project broadened my outlook. I used not to like children very much, but the mountain pupils helped me see their lovable side. After returning, I recommended this project to friends who like children. The pupils and junior secondary students there are not as focused on material enjoyment and practical gain as some students in Hong Kong and Macau. They are more innocent and easily contented.
There is a saying: it is better to teach someone how to fish than simply give them fish. I think this is how we should help people who face greater hardship than we do. Even if we cannot often travel to mountain areas or visit the poor, whenever we meet people around us who need help, extending a hand or offering a warm embrace is a small action that can make ourselves and society better.
Fong Chiu Man
Macau Pharmacists Association
This was an unforgettable experience. It made me feel that students in Macau are very fortunate, at least compared with children in these mountain areas. They wake up at six in the morning. Older children hold the hands of their younger brothers and sisters and walk to school. Those nearby walk twenty minutes; those farther away may walk two hours. In the classroom, when one stretches out a hand, only its outline can be seen. Desks and chairs are made from pieces of wood, and teachers write on cracked blackboards. The playground has only a table tennis table made of stone. After school, the children still have to go home and work. Yet they still go to school happily and study hard.
During this project, I saw that with Rotary’s help, their learning environment had greatly improved. At least there was one bright classroom. I hope more people can understand and help them, so that these children can grow up better and escape poverty sooner.
Vicky Wong
Student, University of Macau
It was my pleasure and honour to join this meaningful journey, which gave my life an impressive memory and allowed me to make new friends. I experienced several changes after joining this charity journey. After personally visiting primary schools in the countryside and delivering resources to them, I came to understand how fortunate I am and what a good place Macau is to live. While the poor lack even daily necessities, we in Macau have plenty of resources to enjoy. Therefore it is important for us to cherish what we have, and I have become more aware of environmental protection in daily life.
This charity trip also reminded me to contribute to society and care for others around us. When our own basic needs are met and our lives are stable, we should spend some time caring for the needs of others. In this way, we not only help those in need but also give ourselves a chance to reflect on our own lives and actions. I am also a volunteer with the Macau Red Cross and sometimes take part in voluntary functions and visits, but this was the first time I experienced the real situation of poor rural areas.
One scene impressed me deeply: I saw a little girl going to school without even a pair of shoes, walking barefoot on the ground. By comparison, when we have shoes, we are afraid of getting them stuck in the mud. I felt guilty and sorry that I could not help her. I also came to understand the importance of being content with what I already have.
Pan Pan
They do not have the happiness we have; we do not have the happiness they have. It turns out that the simplest happiness is the happiest.
Before leaving for Guangxi, I thought only that I hoped to bring you a little love, care, and hope. I never expected that you would give me more love, emotion, and happiness than I had imagined.
On the first day, when we visited the mountain primary school, there was a light rain. As soon as we stepped into the “campus”, we had to walk carefully for fear of falling. Step after step sank into the mud, making walking difficult. The “stairs” were made from stones, and I wondered how to walk without falling or getting hurt. At that moment, I realised how solid and comfortable the stone floors of the city are. I also realised how capable the children are, running freely and nimbly through the mud.
A simple wooden house was the children’s place of study. Cold wind entered through window frames without glass. The wooden desks and chairs were missing boards or pieces. There were no lights, no air-conditioning, no whiteboard. Everything we assume should exist in a classroom was absent. The one thing they had that we did not was their serious expression. When we spoke with them, perhaps we did not fully understand one another, but I knew they understood what we were doing. They watched our body language and facial expressions and were willing to “listen” with their hearts.
The experience that touched me most deeply was at the Experimental Secondary School. In games, the purpose is the process, not the result. The students gave me a real example. During the newspaper-wheel game, our newspaper tore before we reached the finish line. I was unwilling to see the result of our hard work break apart, but the innocent students simply tore the newspapers in their hands, ran forward together, and cheered happily. I was surprised and delighted, because our purpose in coming was to make them happy. When they were happy, we were happy too. It had been a long time since I had laughed so freely and innocently. Thank you for giving me that chance.
My lovely group members: although we knew one another for only about an hour, I felt as if I had been your teacher for a lifetime. You joked with me and made funny faces. I was happy that you responded to me and played with me, and that your aim was to make us laugh. The boys especially liked to act cool during the games. At the end, they said emotionally, “Pan Pan, remember to come again!” Those words warmed my heart. If I have the chance, I will certainly come back to visit you. Every signature, address, and telephone number I gave you was written carefully, so that you could read it clearly and might really write to me.
A few children left a special impression on me. Brother Xiao Qiu, you were the best at making me laugh, and you danced street dance very stylishly. I watched seriously every performance you told me to watch. Keep working hard and use your strengths. Xiao Meng, one of my second group members, did not originally take part in the games, but when you saw that I was “injured at work”, you immediately ran to see what our group needed help with, without even looking at my wound. It made me both laugh and cry. At such a young age, you already had your own goals and ideals. You said you hoped to go abroad, understand what foreigners say, communicate with them, and not be looked down upon. You have heart and ambition. I believe you will be a good English teacher in the future.
Another girl, Feng Hongju, performed jokes vividly on stage. On stage, you were almost like an idol and we were your fans. Yet off stage, we became your idols and you became our fan. You stood near me with a bright smile and gave me two Christmas cards to thank us. When I opened them later, both cards thanked Rotary. The words were written with great care and even included cute photo stickers. This made me feel warm, because the students knew what Rotary had done for them and were grateful.
I feel there was a serious imbalance in this project: at least for me, what I received was many times greater than what I gave. Perhaps the ones who truly brought love and warmth were you. You gave me the simplest happiness and the purest emotion. After returning, I reflected that there is still much we can do for you, and practical action is very important. Some feelings cannot be expressed in words. Only by experiencing them personally do you realise that the things you do are the most important small things.
Joan Lam
Student, University of Macau
“Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007” was a very meaningful activity. It was another journey that helped me grow up.
On the first day, we went into the mountains to visit a very simple primary school. There was no electricity and no water, only old wooden desks, wooden chairs, and a table tennis table made of bricks. It was painful to see. Although the people there were very poor, they still served us their best dishes. At that moment, we almost could not bear to put such “luxurious” food into our mouths. Although they were poor, they were rich in heart.
On the second day, we prepared games for some students of the Experimental Secondary School. At first, the boys and girls were a little unfamiliar with us, but in the final newspaper-wheel game they worked together to make a large wheel and tried hard to reach the finish line. Although the wheel tore unknowingly, they suddenly became united. This comforted me most.
Sometimes the things we can do are very small, but if we give sincerely and experience them with our hearts, both others and ourselves benefit. The short stay in Guangxi taught me that a good life is not something to be taken for granted. I learned to cherish. As the saying goes, “Those who are content are always happy.” A thirteen-year-old child affected me most deeply. My cheerful personality and some words I said influenced him. He changed from being somewhat passive to more active, and in the end Lan Xin was able to perform with him on stage. When I encouraged him to study hard, I also felt an urge to work hard myself. Perhaps what I can do is not much, but if I am not stingy with a little money or time, it may become very important to someone. Learning how to love brings more hope. Cherishing everything I have now is what I learned from this journey.
I am very happy to have taken part. Every journey teaches me an unforgettable lesson. It was especially happy to meet a group of good friends during such a meaningful project. This activity gave 2007 a perfect ending. Love, learning, and hope will also become my goals from now on.
Special thanks: Rotaract Club of Macau and the University of Macau for their support.
Canny Ho
Student, University of Macau
This year’s theme was “Love • Hope for Studies”. It was my first time joining the warmth-giving project. The environment was more or less what I had imagined, because I had long known that there are many poor places in China. What moved me and gave me insight during the trip was the students’ reactions and their pure character. Things that many people take for granted can mean a great deal to them. Whether it is a sweet, a three-minute magic trick, or a short blessing, it can bring from them a smile and thanks from the heart.
The world is very large. If we keep a simple, pure, curious heart like a child’s, we can discover joy and feel love everywhere. If we always face life with a negative attitude, we will not see what is worth seeing or feel warmth. This is true of learning and of life. The world needs hope before we can feel love.
Au Yeung Man San
Student, University of Macau
Several weeks have passed since the “Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007” journey ended, but time has not erased the memories. Scene after scene remains deeply in my mind. During this journey, I deeply understood the saying, “It is better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books.” Although we often see on television, in newspapers, and in magazines how people in underdeveloped areas live in poverty, nothing compares with experiencing it personally.
The school we visited on the first day moved me most. It was located on a flat piece of land in the mountains. We travelled by car along rugged mountain roads, turning bend after bend. More than an hour later, we finally arrived. When we got out, we saw a dilapidated house with a tiled roof standing on yellow mud. I had never imagined that the school had only three classrooms, so two classes of students had to study together. Because there was no electricity, they could only rely on thin rays of sunlight entering through gaps in the roof tiles. The blackboard seemed to tell its own history, marked by lines left by time. A group of lively and lovely children studied in that environment. The future pillars of society were growing up there. The poor conditions were unbearable to see, and I felt tears rising.
The harsh environment did not affect the children’s pursuit of knowledge. Instead, it made them stronger and made them cherish every chance to study. When we gave them small gifts, their joy and bright smiles were something rarely seen among children in the city. To us, living in prosperous Macau, the gifts were insignificant; to them, they were precious. This made me deeply grateful for the learning and living environment I have. I will cherish everything I possess and apply what I learned from this journey in my future teaching.
Friends, this is only one school in one region of China. In other corners of China, and in other parts of the world, there are many schools like this, or even worse, waiting for caring hands. Even a small donation can help many people in need escape poverty. Please do not withhold your love.
I also thank the Rotary Club of Macau, the University of Macau, and other organisations for giving me this rare opportunity. It helped me grow and taught me much. These experiences and feelings will become lifelong memories and a guiding light urging me forward.
Kam Sai Kit
Student, Macau Polytechnic Institute
I travelled to many places this year — Guangzhou, Qingyuan, Shiqi, Shanghai, and Hong Kong — but none left as deep an impression as this “Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007” trip. Brother Lam invited the Rotaract Club of Macau to go to Guangxi for poverty relief. At first, I thought the cost was expensive, but now I feel it was excellent value. During the trip I met students from the University of Macau, including Lan Gap Wong, Yuk Mui, Pan Pan, Nana, Vicky, Nancy, Man San, Amanda, and others. It was great.
When we shared our feelings today, I nearly cried. It has been a long time since I met students who were so genuine and affectionate. Their classrooms were in serious condition: no electricity, blackboards that could hardly be seen. What impressed me most was their handmade table tennis table. There was no net; it was built from stones, and the surface was completely uneven. Later, at the secondary school, the students were extremely enthusiastic. Playing games with them made my heart smile. Even a single sweet made them happy. After the games they gathered around us asking for signatures. It was really enjoyable.
I rarely write blog entries, but I wanted to record these deep feelings. Please remember: next time I ask you to donate, you should donate, because every little bit really helps them a great deal.
Nana
Student, University of Macau
I feel that I am truly lucky and happy. From many aspects, I saw, heard, and felt that I am definitely not an unhappy person. I was fortunate to join this Guangxi warmth-giving journey. Through the visit, I saw the world beyond Macau and saw how much inequality exists. We are all human beings, so why are our lives so different? They did nothing wrong; perhaps our destinies are simply different.
During the trip, we visited two primary schools and one secondary school. It felt as if we began with the poorest and ended with the best. Each school gave me a different experience of life.
The first primary school affected me most. It was built in a very remote mountain area. The students had insufficient light for reading and lessons because there was no electricity. They depended only on a faint amount of daylight. At that moment, I realised how fortunate I was to have a suitable learning environment. I had never imagined that their conditions could be so poor and simple. They had no playground and no entertainment facilities. One classroom was even in the open air; if it rained, I could not imagine what would happen. At lunch, we had a rich meal with chicken and meat. But they told us that they only ate such food during New Year or major festivals. Things we take for granted may be impossible luxuries for others. Their hopes in life are very ordinary things — a pen or a tube of toothpaste can make them happy for half a day.
At the second primary school, the students were more fortunate because their school at least had water and electricity. But I will never forget seeing a little girl among the innocent children who had no shoes and no socks. I wanted to buy her a pair of shoes immediately, but could not, because we had not expected this situation. Suddenly I felt that what I could do was very small.
When we entered the secondary school, we immediately felt the students’ simple enthusiasm and warm smiles. Compared with the two primary schools, this Rotary-supported secondary school had a much better environment. Although I was the host for the activities, I could still feel the happiness between our group members and the students. The afternoon was short, but it felt full and real. At dinner, I spoke with several students and discovered that each had ideals and dreams for the future. Some wanted to be tour guides; some wanted to be journalists. Their eyes were determined. This made me reflect on where my own dreams had gone. Their innocence made me examine how I was living and what I should insist on. We were also impressed to discover that the secondary students were talented performers who could sing and dance.
Finally, thank you to the Rotaract Club of Macau for allowing me to gain new insight into life through this trip. It gave me new motivation to do more for places lacking resources and to seek better lives for them. I am also grateful that in the last month of the year, I met a group of sincere friends. Being with them was very happy; there was no need to worry too much, only to enjoy the experience.
Ku Man Ching
Student, University of Macau
On the evening of 27 December, after meeting members of the Rotaract Club of Macau, the Macau Pharmacists Association, and the University of Macau, we set off for Du’an, Guangxi. This opened the journey. A cold wave happened to arrive during those days, but everyone could not contain their excitement. People sang solos and played guessing games. Although there were no prizes, everyone joined in enthusiastically, and the fatigue of travelling was forgotten.
On the morning of 28 December, after a twelve-hour coach journey, we finally reached the Du’an hotel. After organising our luggage and eating breakfast, we immediately set out for our destination. To our surprise, there was not even electric light. Before leaving, we gave stationery and old clothes to the children. Although these supplies were not enough to solve their living problems fundamentally, I felt great comfort and emotion. These children truly live difficult lives. They usually walk two hours on mountain roads to school; after returning home, they take care of younger siblings, cook, and even work in the fields. Children from the mountains are destined to mature earlier than children in the city, but they also lose some of their childhood innocence. That day, we brought happiness to them, and smiles bloomed again on their young, dirty faces. I believe that with the care of sunlight and rain, they will bloom more brilliantly.
On 29 December, we visited two other schools, one primary and one secondary. At the secondary school, we held a small activity on the playground with games such as “Mars Hits Earth”, “Invincible Big Wheel”, and a joyful group singing session. They were special activities combining games and learning. The warm group singing was truly moving. “Tomorrow Will Be Better” — yes, we believe tomorrow will be better.
On the morning of 30 December, we had to end the journey, even though none of us wanted to leave the children. We boarded the coach back to Macau.
The short four-day poverty-relief activity in Du’an, Guangxi was very educational. It helped me understand, both emotionally and rationally, the living conditions of rural areas in our country and the conflict between rural children’s desire for education and the relatively backward hardware and software available to them. Although much effort was made to visit and assist poor children in remote mountain areas, I felt that what we did was only to “give them a hand”. In my view, the most important thing for people in difficulty is confidence in life. Poverty has many causes, including illness and disaster; I also think there is poverty caused by a lack of confidence. We need to give them confidence and hope. Helping them once, giving them a hand, may help them get through a difficult moment. After that, the most important thing still depends on them.
Finally, I thank the University of Macau and the Rotaract Club of Macau for giving me this opportunity.
Li Zhaolu
Student, University of Macau
Nearly two months have passed since I returned from Du’an, Guangxi, but everything seems as if it happened yesterday. The muddy roads, rugged mountain paths, classrooms without lights, shaky desks and chairs, and the children’s innocent smiling faces still linger in my mind and cannot be erased.
When I was young, I disliked long car rides, but even the twelve-hour coach journey could not cover my excitement about seeing the children. When I arrived in Guangxi, I realised that not every place is as beautiful as Guilin. In one corner of that region, there is a group of people who need our help.
During the short two-day educational assistance activity, we climbed steep slopes, crossed wild grass, and rode a jolting bus. We saw the children’s desire to learn in their eyes, their refusal to surrender to hardship in their words, and their hope for a better future in their songs. All this moved me deeply and still does.
My father often taught me that only by enduring hardship can one become outstanding. I used to think his way of educating me was already hard enough and that I had experienced many difficulties. But when I saw the children’s living environment, I truly realised how fortunate I am.
I am only an ordinary citizen and can do only a small part. But if everyone did a small part, hunger, poverty, and tears would no longer exist. On the last evening, a little girl found me and asked me to promise that I would return next year. I told her I could not be sure I would return, but I could promise that my love and expectations for them would return to their side. I bless these children and hope their destinies will change through the help of kind people.
I like the saying: love cannot be bought, and it cannot be replaced by happiness based on money. True love comes from the heart and responds to need.
Celeste Ng
Student, University of Macau
The short four-day journey, “Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007”, benefited me greatly. It is the most meaningful exchange trip I have joined so far.
I had heard that schools in mainland China could be few and simple, and that children had difficulty going to school. But I had never imagined that what I saw with my own eyes would be worse and more profound than what I had heard. On the first day in Guangxi, we went up the mountain to visit a local primary school and distribute supplies. The mountain was muddy and slippery. Pairs of curious little eyes looked at us without blinking, and each child wore many layers of old clothes. The so-called school consisted only of a few simple classrooms. There was no playground, no library, and not even basic electricity. It was hard to imagine how the children could attend lessons in such dark classrooms. Some teachers lived at the school, using a few books as pillows; when they lay down, they could see the holes in the roof. Although the children had to walk for hours along mountain roads to reach school, they still insisted on going every day and learning every day. Their eager pursuit of learning was beautiful.
Looking back, how fortunate we are to live in Macau. We do not suffer hunger and cold. We do not have to cross muddy mountain paths to go to school. We do not have to study in dark classrooms.
This was also the exchange trip that gave me the greatest sense of achievement. Besides bringing warmth through supplies, we prepared a series of activities for secondary students near the town centre, so that they could feel our care. This school had much better facilities, including a canteen and dormitory, and many more students. On the second and final afternoon in Guangxi, the weather was cold, but our hearts were warm. “Mars Hits Earth”, “Newspaper Tractor”, sharing, group singing — every part had been prepared before departure, and every game was led by us personally. The activity brought us closer to students we had known for only eighty minutes. Their faces told us that we had brought them happiness. Our own faces told us that their happiness also made us happy. That evening, the school held a talent show. Before parting, some students gave us reluctant hugs. What unforgettable moments.
Looking back, I once thought that my own strength was insignificant. But I realised that if one is willing to work hard and give, nothing is impossible. I once thought that doing things beneficial to myself would make me happy, but I learned that making others happy makes oneself even happier. This short four-day journey gave me treasures I will use for life.
Lam Kwok Wang
Student, University of Macau
Through this warmth-giving project, I finally realised that in some poor and remote places, children’s learning environments are unimaginably harsh. We visited two primary schools and one secondary school. The primary school on the first day looked almost like a garage. The classroom in the morning was darker than Macau at night. Outside was a patch of mud with a table tennis table built from stones, which I suppose was their playground, with a cliff on the other side. Children growing up in such an environment showed me a purity I had never seen before. A towel or a packet of biscuits brought repeated words of thanks and many smiles. Why did they treasure so firmly things that seemed so insignificant to us? Their lives must be very hard. Thinking of all the children seeing us off makes me feel that every time I waste something, I am taking away one of their smiles.
What impressed me even more was the secondary school we visited on the second day. As soon as we entered the school, all the students stood and applauded to welcome us. After playing games, they asked us to sign their name cards. They were very enthusiastic. I casually asked a few students what they wanted to do in future. Some said, “I want to be a social worker, because many people need help and helping others makes me happy.” Another said, “I want to be a tour guide; I most want to go to Venice.” Another said, “I want to study hard so my parents can have a better life.” One student said, “Friends from Macau, you may come anytime. We will always welcome you.” At such a young age, they already had goals for the future, very different from many children in Macau.
The final performance evening showed the students’ many talents: singing, dancing, and humorous drama. Yet when I thought that they might have to stop studying at any time because of financial problems, I felt regret and anger. I felt these children could achieve much in the future. Their character, independence, and mature thinking left a deep impression on me. But they lack sufficient resources to support their growth. They cherish what they have, love their teachers, and thank their principal. By contrast, our environment prepares everything for us, but have we cherished it? Have we held tightly to the blessing of education? Perhaps the price of our high-quality life is that we have lost the feeling of contentment and the motivation to cherish what we have.
Project Events and Fundraising Activities
29 May to 23 June 2007
“Macau • Guangxi • Sky of Wishes” Exhibition — University of Macau
26 May 2007
“Macau • Guangxi • Sky of Wishes” Exhibition — Three Lamps District, Macau
24 June 2007
“Macau • Guangxi • Sky of Wishes” Exhibition — Iao Hon Park, Macau
15 July 2007
Charity sale at the joint installation ceremony of the Rotary Club of Macau and the Rotaract Club of Macau
8–9 November 2007
“Macau • Guangxi • Sky of Wishes” Exhibition — University of Macau
November–December 2007
Fundraising for “Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007” — Macau University of Science and Technology and Macau Polytechnic Institute
November–December 2007
Donations from members of the Rotaract Club of Macau
December 2007
Charity sale at the anniversary celebration of the Macau Pharmacists Association
17 December 2007
Magic class
19 December 2007
Hong Kong Novel H Christmas charity fundraising night
27–30 December 2007
“Love-Hope to Guangxi 2007” service trip
Project Income and Expenditure
Income included donations from the Macau Pharmacists Association, Novel H Company of Hong Kong, members of the Macau Dental Association, Rotaract Club of Macau members, and donations raised through the “Guangxi Exhibition 2007”.
Main uses of funds included:
– A four-year scholarship for one university student in Guangxi.
– Repair and maintenance of classroom equipment.
– Dental products for primary school pupils, including toothpaste and toothbrushes.
– Stationery and textbooks for primary school pupils.
– Cotton handkerchiefs for primary school pupils.
– Food for primary school pupils.
– Book subsidies for primary school pupils.
– Teaching materials for primary school teachers.
The article closes with itinerary-style notes for school visits, including group games in the playground, such as “hawk catches chicks” and long-rope skipping, visits to Jianqiao Primary School near the town area, magic performances, short video sessions, a timeline activity, and postcards written for return to Macau.
