Xingzhi Migrant Art School: The Chao's Visit to Xingzhi Art Studio

 Xingzhi Migrant Art School is a non-profit organization that offers art lessons for the children of migrant workers who otherwise would not have this opportunity. Read more about this organization here.

On Oct. 18th, I received an e-mail from Ma and Wang, who told me about the Chaos’ visit to Xinzhi Art Studio the next day and inquired whether or not I could be there. I have been looking forward to meeting Mr. and Mrs. Chao and was glad to hear the news; I couldn’t wait to share my appreciation for all the help they have provided for children with congenital heart disease. For now, the number of young patients aided with surgery fees is up to 179, which is also the amount of families getting help for their debt.

This was my second time to Xingzhi Art Studio. When I got arrived at 2 pm, the Chaos were chatting pleasantly with Teacher Gu. Upon seeing me, they came and shook hands warmly with me. Mr. Chao is quite a nice and approachable person.

I sent Teacher Gu two picture albums, which were edited, printed, and bound on my own, and received one published by San Francisco Art Association from Mrs. Li. I am so grateful for the couple, not only for what they have done, but also for their encouragement to volunteers and even their smallest accomplishments.

Actually, the Chaos and volunteers alike have one shared dream: to do as much as they can to support children who are suffering from congenital heart disease and can’t get prompt treatment due to poverty. Besides albums, I also presented Mrs. Li with three 2013 calendars that I had created. If possible, I will prepare more for the children being cared for, as well as their parents.

The Chaos then came to the yard and watched over children, whose parents were migrant workers, as they drew pictures. There, they discussed more details about the development of the studio with Teacher Gu.

The sun went down gradually. Lots of thoughts occurred to me when I saw their figures in the sunset. Nowadays, on one hand, many children in rural-urban communities don’t have access to schools; on the other hand, the problem is far from being solved. Teacher Gu and the Chaos are trying to do something on behalf of themselves. What can we do to help those children with education opportunities when their parents are making contributions to the development of Beijing?

Thus, what NGOs like Transparent Fish Fund has done means quite a lot. I hope we can provide more voluntary service in future!

Original article written by Lizhong Ying, translated by Shishi Ma, and edited by US interns Ally Nguyen and Emily Cheng.