During their service-learning trip in Guping Primary School in May 2019, HFPJC service leaders learned that the library’s holdings in local school were far from enough to satisfy the demand. Determined to help the children there, HFPJC students organized handicraft workshops and charity bazaar after returning to Macau to raise fund for a book donation. The book donation project was realized this June with the generous support from Dr. LEE Chau Ping, the founding president of Arts, Painting and Calligraphy Association of Macau and long-time supporter to HFPJC. A list of books covering many areas was carefully selected with the consideration of the reading level and interests of the children. Some books with Pinyin and picture books in English were intentionally added to stimulate their interest in learning English.

“These books are warmly welcomed by our children, they love them!” said Mr. LI Xianlin, principle of the school. “They now can easily find books they like and spend most of their recess time on reading. They are also eager to share and discuss what they have read with each other. This is a very good start in developing their reading habits.”

HFPJC organizes annually service learning program in marginalized communities in Mainland China starting from 2014 to provide volunteer teaching services to underprivileged or left-behind students. By far, 160 HFPJC service leaders have taught more than 320 classes in 10 schools in Hainan, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Hunan and Guangxi, and provided creative education service and online support to over 18,000 students. Although the service learning program this year is suspended because of COVID-19, the hearts of HFPJC service leaders are still with the children. It is hoped that these books can convey the love of HFPJC to the children in Guping Primary School, and motivate them to study their interest.