Education for Blind Chinese Orphans

Exciting Updates from Bethel: Transforming Lives Together!

Lego Camp: A Summer Success!  

We’re thrilled to share that our second annual Lego Summer Camp was a resounding success this August! Children explored Lego's Braille Bricks, discovering innovative ways to build while learning about braille. Outdoor activities included feeling various textures in nature and enjoying a ride on the mini trolley. A heartfelt thank you to Lego for helping us create such wonderful memories for our kids!

Coco the Seeing Eye Dog Visits

Recently, we had a very special guest at our center—Coco, a remarkable seeing eye dog. Coco’s presence brought immense joy and support to our children, demonstrating the profound emotional benefits of the human-animal bond. Research shows that dogs like Coco can significantly enhance mood and boost self-esteem, fostering independence and confidence in visually impaired children. Coco's visit was a heartwarming reminder of the transformative impact of these special connections.

Fire Station Field Trip

This summer, our class had the incredible opportunity to tour the fire station in Daxing District! The children learned about fire safety and emergency skills while getting hands-on with fire equipment. Hearing inspiring stories from real-life heroes and experiencing the thrill of using the fire hose and exploring the fire truck brought priceless joy to their faces.

A Night to Remember at the Huabin Opera House

What a spectacular evening at the 10th annual "This Is Eye" concert at the Huabin Opera House! Headlined by the inspiring young blind pianist Liu Hao, the concert showcased extraordinary talent. Our very own Li En Le and Ling Shan Jie shone brightly among the performers. We are so proud of their incredible contributions!

Bethel Vision Screening in Nicaragua

Exciting news! Bethel's Beyond Borders is launching a project in Jinotega, Nicaragua, where we will provide free vision screenings, tailored care plans, and vital community education through our partnership with a local charity clinic. Led by Jennyfer Zeledón, a valued trainee from the U.S., this initiative is made possible thanks to Bethel USA, Bethel China, and the generous support of the SBI Rotary Club. We’re grateful for the warm welcome from Jinotega, and we look forward to working together to support every child’s growth and success!

Mango Braille Fruit Box Wins Award  

We are thrilled to announce that our Mango Fruit Box—a unique Braille learning tool designed by Bethel’s Principal Fang and Enle’s mom—won second place at the China Braille Press’s innovation exhibition! This exciting recognition makes Braille learning even more engaging and fun for our children!

Alice's Progress Spotlight  

In recent weeks, our children have been immersed in sensory exploration through food. They’ve enjoyed tasting, feeling, and smelling different foods, essential for developing independent living skills. Alice has especially thrived in these activities, making significant strides in communication as she accurately identifies fruits like apples. Her teachers' unwavering support has been crucial in her progress, evident in her newfound ability to tidy up after class with minimal assistance.

Thank You! 

We are immensely grateful for your continued support. Your generosity helps us create enriching experiences and impactful programs for children with visual impairments. Together, we are changing lives and making a difference—thank you for being a vital part of our community! 

Links:

• To learn more about Bethel click here

Building Confidence Together 

This spring, our center has achieved a multitude of enriching experiences, from specialized Braille training aimed at empowering parents to support their children's education at home, to exhilarating equestrian activities fostering courage and empathy among children. Our diverse range of opportunities for growth and enjoyment ensures that each participant thrives, creating unforgettable memories and valuable life skills with every outing.

Moving into the future, our satellite centers are fully staffed and operational, and we are continuing to provide support for visually impaired children through our programs both domestically and internationally.

Hooves of Happiness

One of the unique therapies we have offered for many years that sets us apart from other institutions is our use of Hippotherapy. Hippotherapy is a specialized therapeutic approach utilizing horseback riding to stimulate sensory, physical, and emotional development in blind children, fostering confidence, spatial awareness, and motor skills through the unique interaction with the horse's movement.

In March, during our recent multi-day equestrian event, children were immersed in the world of horseback riding. Guided by professional volunteers, they experienced the thrill of riding and learned valuable lessons in courage, balance, and empathy. Through HOPE Equestrian Rehabilitation, children honed their physical coordination and control while bonding with these majestic animals.

Braille Education Hub

Our center hosted a specialized Braille training event for parents, enhancing their parenting skills and enabling effective Braille learning at home. Tailored content deepened parents' understanding of Braille education's importance and equipped them with practical teaching techniques, nurturing their children's growth.

Love is Blind Centers

Our centers are fully operational, ensuring that all of our children receive specialized, individual care. Currently:

- Zhengzhou: 28 children under care
- Jiaozuo: 10 children under care
- Nanjing: 8 children under care
- JingDezhen: 12 children under care
- Shangrao: 53 children under care
- Beijing: 53 children under care

Bethel Beyond Borders

For over twenty years, Bethel has passionately devoted itself to offering specialized care, education, and medical assistance to children with visual impairments. Recognizing the significance of vision screenings, which can identify potentially debilitating issues early on,
aligns seamlessly with our mission.Embracing our mission, we embarked on a trial project in the Philippines, partnering with esteemed organizations like the Cebu Braille School and the Cebu Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Network. Together, we organized screenings across seven locations, ensuring accessibility for all children. This initiative underscores our commitment to inclusivity, reaching those who might otherwise be left without essential vision care.

During our screenings, we encountered parents and caregivers who had never sought eye examinations for their children due to various barriers. With only 53.85% passing their vision checks, highlighting the urgency of early intervention. Phase 2 of our efforts aims to expand medical and educational support, empowering visually impaired children and their families with the resources they need for a brighter future.

Making a Difference

We extend heartfelt gratitude to our invaluable partners and sponsors, including The Rotary Club, Lego, Perkins School for the Blind, Give2Asia, GlobalGiving and numerous others. If you're inspired to make a difference in a child's life, consider sponsoring a child today (sponsor@bethelchina.org). Additionally, don't forget to watch our latest Beyond Borders Project Report Video on our Facebook Page: https://fb.watch/sbNQ88p7ns/ where you can witness the impact of your generosity firsthand. Blessings abound as we continue our journey of compassion and care together.

Links:

• Beyond Borders Project Report Video
• Click here to visit Bethelchina.org