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Helping orphans
November 24, 2010, Wednesday
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AT times we speak so freely of volunteer work, of yearning to care for orphans in Africa, or cleaning the rivers in the Amazon. Yet I feel the first difference we should make is where home truly is.
In the heart of Georgetown, Penang, St Joseph's home is tucked away behind the busy streets. Established as an all-boys orphanage in 1865, the home is now a coed shelter, housing over 43 children aged 5 to 17. Focused on preparing the children for a brighter future, the home tries to motivate child learning and instill confidence, but above all, to build a safe foundation of trust and love.
Last summer I returned to my hometown of Penang, Malaysia, and volunteered at the local orphanage. However, many do in fact have family who simply are too poor to care for them. Each day I went to the home around 3pm and helped the children with daily chores and homework and offered short English classes after diner. Each day I was more excited to get to know these wonderful kids. The children get an education, a warm bed and good food, but the one thing truly missing was affection. So, I always found ways to entertain them, read stories and sang songs, took an interest in their everyday life. And over time, these children completely grew on me.
I volunteer whenever I'm back home. What still amazes me are the children's laughter, their bright smiles and sheer optimism. They truly taught me the meaning of gratitude and how blessed I feel to have the life I lead.
Article by Ashley Martin (top), Year 13 student of Dulwich College Shanghai
In the heart of Georgetown, Penang, St Joseph's home is tucked away behind the busy streets. Established as an all-boys orphanage in 1865, the home is now a coed shelter, housing over 43 children aged 5 to 17. Focused on preparing the children for a brighter future, the home tries to motivate child learning and instill confidence, but above all, to build a safe foundation of trust and love.
Last summer I returned to my hometown of Penang, Malaysia, and volunteered at the local orphanage. However, many do in fact have family who simply are too poor to care for them. Each day I went to the home around 3pm and helped the children with daily chores and homework and offered short English classes after diner. Each day I was more excited to get to know these wonderful kids. The children get an education, a warm bed and good food, but the one thing truly missing was affection. So, I always found ways to entertain them, read stories and sang songs, took an interest in their everyday life. And over time, these children completely grew on me.
I volunteer whenever I'm back home. What still amazes me are the children's laughter, their bright smiles and sheer optimism. They truly taught me the meaning of gratitude and how blessed I feel to have the life I lead.
Article by Ashley Martin (top), Year 13 student of Dulwich College Shanghai
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