"How are you after the disaster?"
the following video package explores orphans' living condition and mental state, with different points of view which analyzing their psychologic status- Are they really as happy as they showed to be?
video package of Yushu orphan school
radio package of Psychological treatments and music therapy
How to relax the Tibetan earthquake orphans and have their trust, when culture differences hampering communicating?
Tibetan, known for their singing and dancing, once believed to fit music therapy, which is believed easy and effective, for recovery.
Does it really work, unconditionally or not?
Volunteers-
What pushed you to come to this school? What keep you stay?
Introduction and history of Yushu orphan school
Yushu disabled orphans' summer trip to Shanghai Expo
weekly news stories of Yushu orphans
Situated on the edge of Sichuan, China, Yushu orphan school has raised 1048 Tibetan orphans in the past 13 years. Supported by government and charitable donations, it runs thriftily.
A m 7.1 earthquake hit Yushu in April, which destory its newly built school house. Besides, new orphans who lost parents in the earthquake, are continually being sent here...
Homeless kids, how many people helped you?
What is the most important thing you need?
How to recover your wound?
What can we do to provide you a real home...?
Brief introduction
of Yushu Orphan School
The Yushu Orphan School was set up in 1993. The local government provided an old building and paid the salaries of some teachers. Charitable foundation and individual subscriptions, provided other funds necessary for the operation of the school.
It was first called ¡°Yushu Tibetan Medicine College¡± when newly built. 50 children enrolled at that time, studied Tibetan medicine. The condition previous to their entering the school was that after 10 years¡¯ study, they have to work as doctors in their hometown.
? In 1999, the Yushu Tibetan Medicine College became Yushu Orphan School, and no longer asks all students to specialize in Tibetan medicine. After graduation in this school, students will go to high school, even university thereafter.
Volunteer's story-
I love my home, that's why I left it
There are 39 staff in the school at present, including:12 people paid by the government;22 people paid by the orphan school, and 5 volunteers.
"One of the biggest problems is lacking of good teachers." Said headmaster Nima,"We have a fast turnover because of the poor working conditionsIn spite of this, there are still youngsters coming as volunteers. "
" At the moment I saw the story of Mother in earthquake , I could not help crying and suddenly made up my mind to come here."Said Mei Bai, 23, volunlteer in Yushu Orphan school.
Mei, born and grew up in Chengdu China, had never left home before. After graduated from Sichuan Normal school, she was about to be a teacher in local middle school, where she could get salary as 3000 Yuan monthly. "It's not easy to get the job, but I gave up- when I made the decision I was even afraid of telling my parents. They could not understand that I chose to be here because I love them, and have peculiar sympathy and understanding to the orphans."
"I am not the only case," said Mei, "I met another girl that just like me. City born and city bred, sacrificed good life and came here. "
The lady she mentioned was called Ye Zhao, 25, came to Yushu two days before Mei yet stayed for just two weeks.
"She finally chose to leave here and go home. I understand. But I won't, I can't ,at lease at this moment. "
"She told me she had had thought of going back since she arrived, she miss her parents, her boyfriend, her city life, miss all these, very much. But when it's time to go, I saw tears in her eyes. "
" I appreciate their patience and love to the orphans, no matter how long they stay,"said Nima, "At least they let the orphans know that there are still many people, even strangers, care about them. It do need time and patience to get along with the orphans, some of them are not easy-going."
" I thought of all the poor living conditions before I came, but I thought at least the kids would like me. I got along quite well with the students when I was an intern teacher in Chengdu. But I feel the orphans do not want to get close to me, some of them even don't want to talk to me."said Mei.
During the break, 3 children in her class were playing together. " Do you like Miss Bai?" I asked. They stared at me and did nor reply. I asked again:" Would you be sorry if she leave here? "
They said nothing, but nodded slightly.
additional links
Videos of Yushu orphans from Xinhua news angency, the authoritative department of Journalism in China
The recovery advices of earthquake orphans from Chinese Academy of Sciences
http://news.xinhuanet.com/edu/2008-05/22/content_8227248.htm