It’s amazing how one moment can sweep the ground below your feet and leave you to fall endlessly. Jiang Ping inhaled the air of peace and security and in his next breath everything familiar to him turned to dust. The Sichuan earthquake sent a shrill down the spine of the region and buried mothers, infants and cozy homes leaving behind painful debris of memories. Jiang Ping, a young school boy, survived the disaster only to battle its consequences of poverty and limited resources.
Unlike most other children, Ping was fortunate as his uncle from Beijing arrived to take him to the city, where he was enrolled in the Dandelion school. This is a non-profit school which is also the only middle school for low-income migrants. It is supported by The Hope Scholarship Fund, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that works to remove barriers that poverty places in a child’s path to education. The fund sponsors children through donations from people like you and I who care enough to help.
The school was a welcoming community that gave Ping a chance to rebuild relationships and make friends under their guidance. More importantly though they reintroduced him to his identity. This homely environment allowed Ping to brush off his bruises and gave him the determination to heal. Young Ping explained, ‘I was able to feel good about myself and gain back my confidence for the first time since the earthquake happened’.
Unlike most other children, Ping was fortunate as his uncle from Beijing arrived to take him to the city, where he was enrolled in the Dandelion school. This is a non-profit school which is also the only middle school for low-income migrants. It is supported by The Hope Scholarship Fund, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that works to remove barriers that poverty places in a child’s path to education. The fund sponsors children through donations from people like you and I who care enough to help.
The school was a welcoming community that gave Ping a chance to rebuild relationships and make friends under their guidance. More importantly though they reintroduced him to his identity. This homely environment allowed Ping to brush off his bruises and gave him the determination to heal. Young Ping explained, ‘I was able to feel good about myself and gain back my confidence for the first time since the earthquake happened’.
We all say we hate school; however, our school days become some of our favorite and most cherished memories. Share your story of inspiration, growth and valuable lessons from your school days. Make it count, share your memories.
