From Silence to Smiles

There are children in our community who don't know what it is to live happy, carefree lives as you and I did when we were high spirited kids. There are children around us who face difficult situations daily that deprive them of their childhood innocence. Eight-year-old Jenny was one such child.

Jenny's mother was in prison last year on narcotics charges. In the care of their father, the family struggled to hold things together, and eventually sought help. The family was referred to Christian Action. Jenny joined our new After-school Learning and Support Programme held every weekday at New Horizons Building. The programme provides opportunities for lower-income children in the Choi Hung area to receive tutorial and emotional support that they may not be receiving at home or at school.

When she first came to us, we could tell by her timid demeanor that Jenny had a sad history. She was quiet and reserved, without the childlike spontaneity evident in other children. She began attending our programme every day from 3:30pm-7:30pm until the end of the school year when she joined the summer fun, currently held in the morning. Apart from the daily tutorials, the children have this summer participated in activities organized by Kowloon City Baptist Church, including a full-week Bible camp!

These days, Jenny eagerly packs her book bag and rushes to leave her small government flat in Kai Yip and walk to school in a nearby neighborhood. Her confidence has increased tremendously and we often see her sweet smile.

If you or your group would like to volunteer with our after-school programmes in any way, please let us know – we'll be glad to welcome you and your smile!