Love wasn't enough

From left to right, Nelson Yau, Christian Action China Programme Director, Suonan, Mr. Geng Jia Director of Huangnan Children’s Home

Suonan is seventeen. He's tall and good looking, and his future looks bright. When he graduates from Qinghai Communication Technical College, his qualifications will go a long way towards securing a job, and then gaining respect in his community. He is excited to be living his dream, because he never expected it to come true for him.

Suonan was four when his world started falling apart. His father deserted the family, leaving Suonan’s mother to fend for herself and her son. Two years later she passed away. Sixyearold Suonan was left in the care of his aged grandparents. They could hardly care for themselves, let alone an energetic, growing grandson. There was an abundant supply of love, but it wasn’t enough. For four long years Suonan longed to go to school, but they couldn’t afford it. His grandparents were growing more and more frail, and less able to manage Suonan’s rambunctious behaviour.

Then Huangnan Children’s Home opened its doors. Tenyearold Suonan at last received the opportunity he’d dreamed about! His acceptance to our Home meant he would not only receive an education, he’d also have a warm bed and plenty of healthy food for a growing boy!

Because he had such a late start, school was a real challenge. Although Suonan applied himself to the work he couldn’t pass the high school entrance exam. But thanks to you, our donors, we had a backup plan! Your support of Christian Action’s Tertiary Education Grant programme ensures that young adults like Suonan can undergo vocational training at a variety of institutions carefully selected to suit each individual’s interests and abilities.

Many of these students have seen their families fall apart, or their parents die prematurely because of poverty and ignorance. Children today know that being educated can change their own future. We need many more to help us eradicate poverty in a part of the world where hardship and poverty has been the norm. Will you become a 'Friend of Qinghai Children' today?