International Children's Day

Guoluo Prefecture is about eight hours drive from Xining, the capital city of Qinghai. Its situation is remote, the landscape is rough, and poverty results in the abandonment of many children. The weather is bleak and so is the future of the children of Guoluo.

To combat the gross neglect of children in this prefecture, Guoluo Children’s Home was established in 2012.  Today, there are 47 children between the ages of five and 16 years old living in the Home. That’s 47 young lives rescued from poverty and neglect. For the very first time these children have access to education and carefree play.

Boys in their traditional dress

Most weekdays are spent doing homework after school, and attending tutorial classes to help catch up academically after years of missed education. Over the weekend there’s the opportunity to relax. Like all children they love watching TV, but when the weather permits, they jump at the chance of playing a game of basketball or table tennis. Traditional Tibetan dancing is also a firm favorite. Despite Guoluo’s remoteness, and the lack of a city’s bright lights, the children are happier than they have ever been.

The celebration of International Children’s Day has special significance in Guoluo, because the children here have been rescued from crippling poverty and abandonment. A talent show is the main feature, so it’s not surprising that the children started rehearsing a month before the big day, spending hours practicing their traditional Tibetan dances.

When the big day arrived (June 1), there was a frenzy of activity as make-up was applied and Tibetan costumes were brought out. Everybody enjoyed the show, and many children were doubly rewarded when certificates of recognition were presented for outstanding academic performance.  The celebrations ended the way all good celebrations end, with a big Children’s Day meal!

Thank you for supporting these children through your giving.