Hefei Happy Childhood: Reading Room Diaries

Hefei Happy Childhood community is an organization that seeks to help out children in need. They volunteer time to spend time with kids in hospitals and play with them as well as help fund different charitable projects that support children.

2012 Oct.2 Lin Mumu
Today’s the day before the National Holiday, I’m busy, but still happy. Another parent told us he wanted to donate some books though he was not so sure when because of the long distance. Our work is truly worth it as more people show such willingness. Those little boys and girls earnestly wish that they could keep every book I bring! Children are often accompanied by their grandparents. I see an illiterate grandma insist on bringing her child to read books, with her finger pointing on pictures. Some moving scenes always exist here.
My holiday begins tomorrow.

2012 Oct.4 Dou Ya
Children in the sick room have almost come back home already, so have those in the rehabilitation room. The patient room and reading library are quieter but I feel happy for them.
Rhythm training has been added to our daily activities. Hopefully we can come up with more attractive programs to help children overcome pains and diseases. Thank you to everyone who contributed their efforts! Good night!

2012 Oct.8 Dou Ya
Children are back here in succession, making the place much livelier. Because of the long holiday, there aren’t many volunteers telling stories today. Sometimes temporary work will break my schedule, I wish I could learn to handle it. The internship teaches me a lot. Through daily and temporary work, my working ability will definitely be improved. Just come on!

2012 Oct.9 Lin Mumu
The fresh air comes to me when I return to the reading library after a six-day leave. Today is another busy day, so I have to wait one day later to visit those cute children. I miss them so much.
Training courses regarding storytelling during the afternoon went well although only three trainees attended. Teacher Cai is a skillful storyteller. We all take an active part in practicing newly-acquired skills, which are taught by Teacher Cai. Moreover, they are all interested in our city activities. The fact that some volunteers are absent is worth reflecting; we should consider delivering messages next time.

2012 Oct.10 Lin Mumu
There are many volunteers today. How lively the reading room is! Their stories attract many boys and girls. At five, I was about to close the door, when a child came with his father, reluctant to leave without borrowing two books. The dad was sorry about this and explained that the boy was on treatment right now. How could I reject him? Also, two practical nurses signed up today to join our storytelling activity.

2012 Oct.11 Dou Ya
The ongoing cries tell us that children are all back to the rehabilitation room. Children like to make noise to disturb our talks when parents bring them to do assessment. Those of growth retardation seem to trust their mum only while normal ones are also willing to play with other children. Hopefully our programs can help them find their own friends and happiness.
I received four delivery packages today containing little things. However, I failed to explain that toys are used only for cure when parents want to borrow some. The same situation happened again in the patient room. Children always want to borrow more books since they are for free. Maybe charity is still a young field in China, but I will soon get my first salary in my lifetime. How exciting!

Original article was written by Xiaoliang Dai, translated by Shishi Ma, and edited by US interns Isabel Auyeung and Lauren Kam.