Education for Blind Chinese Orphans

As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible journeys of the children we support. This edition celebrates themes of partnership, bravery, perseverance, expertise, and joyful discovery—all powered by your support. Together, we nurture confidence, skill, and independence in young learners with visual impairments.

A Bright Beginning: Crafting Possibilities Through Touch

Through the “Lighting Up Hope, Building Dreams Together” partnership, HP China joined Bethel to bring meaningful learning opportunities to children across the nation. Volunteers from 8 cities contributed to creating more than 100 handcrafted Braille cloth books, each designed to spark curiosity through texture, movement, and imagination.

The collaboration included clay-art activities and inspiring exchanges with Principal Fang, showcasing the power of touch, creativity, and community. This joint effort demonstrates that when people unite with care and purpose, learning becomes limitless—opening doors to growth, opportunity, and inclusive education.

Voices That Rise: Five Young Singers Take the Stage

Courage and pride are captured in a single photo of Xinuo, Nana, Beibei, Yaya, and Xiyue as they performed—in French—with the Little Lighthouse Choir in front of hundreds of audience members in a theatre. Singing in a new language requires bravery, discipline, and focus, and this moment shows the determination and heart these five children brought to the stage.

This performance represents more than a musical presentation—it symbolizes confidence, growth, and the rewards of persistence. Their journey began with a vision from Guillaume and Delphine, Bethel’s French founders, who wanted every child to have opportunities that expand skills and open new paths. To our past French teachers, volunteers, and even Isaac—thank you for nurturing courage and joy through learning. This photo captures a powerful milestone: children stepping into their full potential before a live audience.

Summer Scholars: Choosing Progress, Choosing Power

This summer, dozens of our students embraced challenge with purpose. They showed up, worked hard, and demonstrated what happens when determination meets opportunity.

Their progress awards represent more than certificates—they reflect hours of practice, resilience, and the will to grow. The final photo from the celebration? Pure energy, pure effort, pure pride. This is what rising strong looks like.

Sharing Expertise, Advancing the Field

In October, Director Susan Qu joined leading experts at Tsinghua University’s three-day course on Visual Rehabilitation. Alongside specialists in ophthalmology, neurology, pediatrics, and more, she shared insights on educational support for young learners navigating unique visual challenges.

Her contribution reflects the conviction of our entire team: advancing support for children with visual impairments requires collaboration, compassion, and courage. To every educator, researcher, and supporter shaping this progress—thank you for believing in what is possible.

Growing Confidence, One Recipe at a Time

In our kitchen classroom, Guoliang is discovering more than recipes—he’s discovering confidence. Every motion, from stirring to seasoning, helps him build independence, spatial understanding, and self-assurance.

Who knows—today’s careful tasting and exploring may be the first chapter in the journey of a future chef. Growth often begins with simple, steady steps.

Holiday Magic in Motion: Operation Jingle Jam

The students are buzzing with excitement as Operation Jingle Jam gets underway. Our intern teacher Zhao Chen is filling the room with music at the piano, Beibei is testing the microphone with determination, and Yangyang is steady on the drums, keeping everyone in rhythm.

We can’t reveal the full performance yet—but trust us, the holiday spirit is already glowing. This year’s Christmas celebration is shaping up to be unforgettable.

With Gratitude and Warm Wishes

To our donors, partners, and dear supporters: thank you for standing with Bethel. Your generosity empowers children with visual impairments to learn, grow, and lead with confidence. Because of you, this community shines brighter every year. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful, joyful, and hope-filled holiday season.

Links:

• Click here to learn more about Bethel China

This quarter, Bethel’s educational programs embraced a season of growth and discovery. From hands-on activities that connect children with the natural world to the introduction of new creative and practical subjects like music, arts, and computer skills, our curriculum continues to nurture both the minds and hearts of the children in our care. With strong attendance across all centers and new students joining, Bethel remains committed to providing a well-rounded, inclusive education. Among the many inspiring moments, the journey of Jia, a young Tibetan girl who has overcome immense challenges, stands out as a powerful example of the impact of compassionate support and personalized learning.

Key Highlights

• Total of 104 children under care, including two new students welcomed in Beijing.

• Curriculum expanded with new creative and practical courses for all students.

• Heartwarming progress of Tibetan student Jia completing Braille and independent living skills.

• Tactile storybook launched, enhancing sensory learning for blind children.

• 60 tactile teaching kits distributed nationwide to support early intervention.
  
  

Love is Blind- Bethel School

To welcome a new season of growth, teachers at Bethel’s Zhengzhou Project organized a hands-on sowing activity in April for the 28 children in their care. As the children planted seeds and explored the texture of soil, they also developed important life skills like patience, responsibility, and curiosity.

This spirit of growth extended into the classroom as well. Bethel’s curriculum expanded to include new subjects such as choir, melodica, hulusi flute, arts and crafts, and computer skills—fostering both practical development and creative expression.

Across all Bethel centers, 104 children are currently under care. In June, two new students—Xu and Wang —were warmly welcomed into the Beijing center.

A particularly heartwarming milestone comes from Jia, a young Tibetan girl who lost her sight due to a brain tumor. When she arrived at Bethel in 2023, she was withdrawn and spoke only Tibetan. Over two years, with patient support, she learned Mandarin, Braille, and daily living skills. This April, she completed her time at Bethel and is now preparing to attend the Tibet School for the Blind.

Project Outreach

This quarter, Bethel focused its outreach on expanding access to sensory learning tools, celebrating community milestones, and promoting inclusion through national events. In April, the Beijing team completed a new tactile storybook, The Journey of Yuanyuan, made from materials like wood, cotton, and metal. This hands-on book helps blind children explore textures, build sensory vocabulary, and engage their imaginations through touch.

Beyond the classroom and celebrations, Bethel also engaged with wider national conversations around inclusion and disability awareness. The team participated in key events such as the International Autism Symposium and China’s Eye Care Day on June 6th. Cultural outings, including an art exhibition at the German Embassy and a children’s play at the Poly Theatre, provided further opportunities for the children to experience the world beyond their immediate environments.

One of the most impactful efforts this quarter was Bethel’s nationwide distribution campaign for early intervention tactile teaching aids. Sixty visually impaired children from across China received these specially designed kits. Most applicants were between 7 and 9 years old, and over 60% had little or no vision—demonstrating the growing demand for tools that support early learning through play and touch.

Walk for the World

As children at Bethel explore nature, new skills, and joyful moments through tactile books and celebrations, we’re reminded of the power of steady, compassionate support. One heartwarming story this quarter is Jia, a Tibetan girl who came to Bethel after losing her sight to a brain tumor. Once withdrawn and speaking only Tibetan, she has spent two years learning Mandarin, Braille, and independent living skills—now ready to enter the Tibet School for the Blind with confidence.

This kind of transformation is made possible by the generosity of our donors and the dedication of Bethel’s teachers and staff, whose tireless work lights the way for each child. You can help too—by sponsoring a child, donating toward glasses or learning tools, or simply giving what you can. Every gift, big or small, opens doors to a brighter future. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we help children grow, learn, and thrive.

Links:

• Support VI children-click to help make a difference!