Who we are
We are like you, two everyday people living in the world with a single goal in mind....the goal of giving back. Our "Your Heart is in Your Hand" project started after the founding of Secret Santa China. Please visit our blog page.
We fell in love with China after our first visit, and each time we return our feelings for it deepen. We love the history and culture, the ancient and ultra-modern contrast, the food, the adventure, but most of all, the people who are kind, generous, hospitable and so much fun! We have made many wonderful and solid friendships. Some of the contrasts were great wealth and severe poverty. This gave us a desire to help poor children and what better way, than helping a poor rural school. It had become our passion to find such a school to help. By November 2016, our mission had begun as we searched, spoke with friends and met new friends via the web who helped us line up the pieces. We knew it would not be an easy task, but like clockwork, everything quickly fell into place - it was meant to be! Often when your intention is positive and good, it ends up right in your lap. As human beings, we believe we have responsibility to pass on love. By mid-January 2017, Secret Santa China was born and we haven't looked back. |
We knew we did not have much money, so it would not be a big charity, but we also knew our big hearts would make up for it. Our project does not ask others for money. For the most part, it is financed solely by us, although we would like to take this opportunity to thank friends and supporters who have kindly volunteered to donate. As with all projects, time and funds are always greatly appreciated when offered, and we are proud to say that "every" penny goes to the school.
We started the school's first English-Mandarin library and a science class with a microscope and prepared slides, we sent colourful kites for the children to fly, and before leaving the school in September 2017, we purchased it a very needed laptop computer.
We started the school's first English-Mandarin library and a science class with a microscope and prepared slides, we sent colourful kites for the children to fly, and before leaving the school in September 2017, we purchased it a very needed laptop computer.
After returning home from China, we decided we could help even more by attaining additional education. We are proud to have enhanced our helping skills, by becoming certified TEFL-TESOL teachers. Additionally, Star is now taking private Mandarin language lessons.
In early 2018, we formed an online International English language group we call "East-West Chat" where we teach conversational English to young adults at no charge. Our group is growing quickly with members in China, South Korea and Japan. Special mention to our Secret Santa China "volunteer" team, whom we lovingly refer to as, "Santa's Helpers". Our dream and mission to help poor and orphaned children was realized because of "Santa's Helpers": Liobell, Lily, Ella, Nono and Jojo (view "Our Team" page). |
Original artwork and website photos by Adrien Amadeo
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