2020 was an unusual year. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted our lifestyle and prompted many to redefine the essence of life. Businesses have been taking major or small impact, some plunged in depression and some recovering vibrantly. Life goes on despite the disruptions and we need to forge ahead and so does our endeavor to take more social responsibility by keep contributing to charity.

Because of the social distancing, we cannot go to Chenguang rehabilitation center to participate in the voluntary services but we are following the growth and needs of the children there via a chat group and live broadcasts of the center and providing help in any possible form. ZhuangZhuang is a child with cerebral palsy. ZhuangZhuang resumed rehabilitation in June after several months of social distancing. Without rehabilitation, his balance degenerated and his lower extremities demonstrated hypermyotonia, causing toe walking which is an abnormal walking pattern. His physical therapist made a new plan for his rehabilitation for his quick recovery. Chenguang rehabilitation center has launched online courses of Chinese language, fine arts and mathematics for the children and ZhuangZhuang had learned a dozen of Chinese poems. We look forward to seeing that ZhuangZhuang will grow happier and develop more interests.

In February 2021, AFD China launched a new round of fund-raising jointly with the five-year Fenghuang Charity Program and the fund raised would be used for the costs of rehabilitation, living and accommodation of the children with be cerebral palsy in 2021. All the personal donations by 59 of our colleagues have been entrusted to China Changjiang River Charity Foundation.

Charity does not rely on the power of a certain person or a handful people but on collective effort. It is the readiness of each individual to take social responsibility that accumulates to a strength that makes difference. Meanwhile, the social distancing under the background of pandemic has made the human connection even more valuable. Charity is a way for us to express our care for those in distress. We hope that the children in the rehabilitation center will grow healthier and integrate into their community as an equal, competent member.