My name is Tian Xiaoyan. I began to work for Chunhui Children as a child mentor from 2021. Even though I received training from our professional trainers and thought I was fully prepared for the children, but when I finally went into their world, I found what they were going through was so different from what I had seen. 

I had seen at-risk children on TV or the web. They were always wearing soiled clothes and running wildly in the mountain roads. In them I saw the disappointments of life, but also the vitality of youth. 

It was not until I joined Chunhui Children did I have opportunities to approach these vulnerable lives and realize that each of them had been through a lot. I would embrace them and love them until they take my hand and usher me into their lives.

Diary of Xiaoyan
June 2021

I delivered my first home visit this month. The child of the family is named Yangyang. When we pushed open the door of their house, we saw a sofa, a tea table, some other modest articles and messy clothes on the floor.

Yangyang’s elder sister Tiantian showed us around in the house. Her room was humble but tidy. Aware that we were focusing our attention on her empty bed and the worn sheet, the coy girl said: “It is so hot in summer. I don’t need a quilt. A sheet is enough……” In her two brothers’ room, clothes and shoes were all in wild disorder and the bed was covered with a stuffy cotton-wadded cushion.

I am impressed by the children’s stoicism and resilience but I wish to create a much nicer environment for them and provide them with a wonderful childhood.

September 2021

I’ve been working with Yangyang and his three siblings for three months, and now they are securely attached to me. I feel great about our loving bond, because as a child mentor I find that nothing brings me more happiness than the children’s recognition.

In July, the four siblings all joined in Chunhui Children’s summer camp. At the camp, we took snapshots of the children and created an album for each of them. In these photos, the children were carefree and happy like a clam. “This is the way they should be”, I thought. The camp has brought striking changes to Yangyang’s elder brother Yu. “Miss Tian, I want to create a photo wall in our house. I miss my campmates so much,” said the boy, eyes kindled with excitement.  

We always believe that each child has a chance at a bright future. If we give them enough love, they will sure flourish.

October 2021

I think I can bring more changes to the siblings, and I will start from their sanitation.

So this morning, I told them to wait for me at home and I would help them clean their house. I want to let them know that keeping a nice home takes the efforts of all, not only those of the eldest brother or sister.

The younger sister and I took the rubbish out of the house, the elder sister Tiantian and one of her brothers tidied up their clothes, and the younger brother Yangyang sorted out his own belongings. Yangyang is a mischievous but caring little boy. After putting everything in order, he said to me: “Miss Tian, I am done, come and take a look.”

Seeing her younger sister and brothers all put their mind into the housework, Tiantian beamed a bright smile.

Smiles of the children are my greatest impetus. I would love to care for them and help them create a nurturing home environment.

January 2022

Against the biting cold of winter, I arrived at the activity room in the early morning to prepare for today’s home visit.

“Miss Tian, Miss Tian……” I heard a cheerful voice and saw Yangyang show up at the doorstep. I hadn’t expected him to get up so early and, to my surprise, he came here in slippers, with no socks on. Asked why he was so early and wore so little, he said: “I can’t wait to come here for fun. Never mind the socks. I am not cold anyway!”

The children have a long journey of life ahead of them. As their mentor, I feel fortunate to be there for them, like a teacher, like a mother.

I will make every effort to help the children learn, grow and develop their full potential in a nurturing environment. I am Tian Xiaoyan, an ordinary but great child mentor of Chunhui Village Program.