jamarchThe Caribbean Association China (CAC) once again hosted a group of AIDS/HIV-affected children from the Chi Heng Foundation. Last year the children enjoyed an exciting tour with the many species of fish at the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, however this year it was a fun-filled and action-packed morning at the Shanghai Museum of Science and Technology. Every year the Chi Heng Foundation organizes a Shanghai excursion for impoverished kids whose lives have in some way been touched by Aids/HIV. Living in Central China, many of these children have never been to a large metropolis like Shanghai or much less an opportunity to interact with foreigners.
This year there were 19 boys and girls, ranging in ages from 10 to 19 years old. Just as excited as the children, the CAC volunteers and friends, some being their first time helping out with HIV/Aids impacted kids, were eager to meet each other. “At first the kids were shy, but once we started to talk they became more relaxed,” said Jamaican CAC Past President Dr. Nicoleen Johnson. After pairing up with the children, the volunteers began chaperoning the boys and girls as they wandered through the museum, interacting with the wonderful and educational exhibitions, including the Animal World, Spectrum of Life and Spiders, which was very popular.
Another volunteer Becky Wu commented, “We could tell through our effort, the three young girls learnt some new stuff while walking thru the museum, they touched or watched some new technological things which they’ve never seen before, and they were happier and more open…which is really heart-warming. I wish we could have more time with them.”
After a couple of hours touring the museum, the children had to leave and continue their excursion in Shanghai. Bidding farewell, everyone were taking pictures and waving to each other. At the end, the children were each given a bag of goodies to remember their time with the Caribbean Association China.
Media Writer
