Education for Blind Chinese Orphans

1. LEGO® Braille Block Summer Camp

On a memorable August 11, the curtains gracefully closed on the transformative LEGO® Braille Block Summer Camp, a collaborative effort spearheaded by the LEGO Group, Bethel and the East Library of Shanghai Library. Over the course of two enriching days, families with visually impaired children, hailing from Shanghai and beyond shared in the joys of the engaging summer camp. Mornings were illuminated with the enchantment of LEGO Braille bricks, fostering a sense of exploration and wonder among the young participants.

A special highlight was the visit to the East Library's barrier-free reading room, where dedicated library staff introduced parents and children to invaluable services and facilities. As a symbol of inclusivity, each child received their own library card, granting them access to the world of accessible reading. And on the afternoon of the second day, the children embarked on a memorable journey to the LEGO Group China headquarters, where they explored, shared, and commemorated their remarkable summer camp experience.

Throughout this empowering two-day event, children, parents, compassionate LEGO Group staff volunteers, The East Library and Bethel came together in a vibrant tapestry of collaboration, building meaningful connections, and discovering the beauty of Braille through the tactile medium of Lego bricks.

2. Bethel's Nanjing Center

Bethel's Nanjing Center is a special educational care project for visually impaired orphans in Nanjing, which was established by Bethel and the Nanjing Social Children's Welfare Institute in 2016. This project was one of our first satellite sites which partners with Social Welfare Institutes to provide internal, specialized care to children with Visual Impairments where they live.

We firmly believe that every child has the capacity to learn, regardless of any challenges they may face. With the right support and specialized education for the visually impaired, children with multiple visual impairments can not only learn but also thrive joyfully and achieve holistic development.

Let's take a tour into Bethel's Nanjing Center's operations! (photos below). Here you will find a large number of touchable learning systems suitable for visually impaired children are used in the centre to help visually impaired children master the learning content. For the children to get into a routine, each child has their own locker and desk, designed specifically with their own identifiable tactile object. On the walls can be found the days schedule, the children's bright colorful art, all finished in Bethel's calming signature green.

As one of our first sites, Nanjing holds a special place.These sites are vital, as they don't just influence the lives of visually impaired children in need; they also allow us to extend our helping hand to the very communities they call home.

3. Perkins School for the Blind

In a transformative journey that took place in October, Bethel and the esteemed members of Dr. Tao's Chaoyang Hospital Ophthalmologist team were cordially invited to embark on an inspiring tour and engaging discussion panel at the prestigious Perkins School for the Blind in Boston, Massachusetts. The visit was marked by an insightful exploration of the school's Low Vision Clinic, where heartfelt conversations with Dr. Kran underscored the critical significance of early and comprehensive eye screening practices and vigilant reporting.

Immersed in an awe-inspiring tour of the campus, the team was deeply moved by the specialized classrooms, vocational training spaces, and the innovative engineering department, which passionately crafts custom chairs and bespoke mobility equipment tailored to the unique dimensions and needs of each child. The enriching discussion panel revolved around the exchange of visionary ideas for implementing similar systems back home in China. Established back in 1829, the Perkins School for the Blind left an indelible mark on the visiting team, serving as a beacon of inspiration for their future projects, owing to the school's unparalleled commitment to providing exemplary services and transformative educational practices.

4. Educational Corner

Families of children with visual impairments often encounter repetitive behaviors, such as poking or pressing the eyes, staring at light sources, rocking, clapping, or shaking. These actions may stem from a lack of environmental stimulation and the need to seek excitement within themselves, especially when unable to perceive the world like their sighted peers.

While self-stimulating behaviors are common among individuals, some visually impaired children's actions might be perceived as unusual or unacceptable. It is crucial to guide these children gently and encourage them to replace such behaviors with more socially acceptable alternatives. Rather than blaming the child, offering timely praise for positive actions and helping them understand appropriate social behaviors can play a pivotal role in shaping their conduct and interactions.

Introducing meaningful activities and engaging the child's senses can redirect their focus away from repetitive behaviors. Encouraging exploration through various toys, singing, or interactive play not only provides stimulation but also fosters a positive outlet for their energy and curiosity. This redirection can gradually help the child shift away from stereotypical behaviors, promoting healthy development and social integration.

5. Closing Notes

At the Ningxia Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled, on August 20th and 21st, Bethel held an impactful training session for over 45 dedicated teachers, who play a vital role in nurturing the potential of VI students across the entire Ningxia province. Then, from October 20th to 23rd, we united with the China Association of Persons with Visual Disabilities to empower over 100 parents with essential training, focusing on self-help skills and orientation and mobility (O&M). These collaborative efforts aim to create a brighter future for those who need it most.

With unwavering commitment, all our Centers stand open and fully operational, driven by our unwavering dedication to the children we serve. Our Nanjing classroom and collaboration with Perkins exemplify our relentless pursuit of excellence, as we wholeheartedly strive to provide the very best and make the most of our available resources in the pursuit of empowering these remarkable children.

With immense gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous donors for their unwavering support in brightening the lives of vulnerable children with visual impairments. Your kindness has already made a profound impact, and we humbly ask for your continued partnership as we strive to bring even more light and hope to these young souls in their journey towards a brighter future. Blessings!

Links:

• Click here to learn more about Bethel on our website