Fall Shaoguan Trip 2017
2017 Fall Shaogun trip started from October 13 to 14. After students completed their second period classes, they left for Shaoguan. Students arrived at around 6:00 PM to meet with the Shaoguan girls and university students who were graduated in the school for the first time.
By playing a bingo game, students got rid of the awkward mood, and AISG students and Shaoguan girls were actively interacting, becoming closer with each other. Bingo squares included questions asking you dream job and whether you liked math, and these created a comfortable environment within the small room. The students talked amongst their assigned teams, and they shared their own unique cultures, having a chance to understand each other. Other activities we did were name splat and hand games. Name splats helped us to memorize our team member's names quicker and in a more entertaining way. After name splats, we played the hand game which was a game where members crossed hands and tapped the ground around the circle until someone changed the direction. Although it would have been new to the Shaoguan girls, they were surprisingly quick at accustoming to the game, and won many GIN members. Throughout the night, we could hear endless laughter from both GIN members and the Shaoguan girls alike. Students especially enjoyed singing the "Fight Song", in which the notes were higher than what we expected, but the upbeat rhythm kept us excited. Although students did not have much time with the Shaoguan girls on the first day, most of them enjoyed the activities and got to know each other for the next day. Furthermore, the students that attended the Shaogun trip previously showed delight in meeting their friends from last year.
The next day, students split into groups and one half went to home visits while the other stayed at school and interacted with the girls. This was a chance to further understand the different cultures and living situations we come from, and give an opportunity for GIN members to experience being in the shoes of Shaoguan girls. Back at school, we did a jeopardy game and stations around the school. The day ended pretty abruptly, and GIN members did not have a chance to eat the snacks they brought to share, but they all had a good time, and kept the memory of the trip by taking a group photo in the end.
By playing a bingo game, students got rid of the awkward mood, and AISG students and Shaoguan girls were actively interacting, becoming closer with each other. Bingo squares included questions asking you dream job and whether you liked math, and these created a comfortable environment within the small room. The students talked amongst their assigned teams, and they shared their own unique cultures, having a chance to understand each other. Other activities we did were name splat and hand games. Name splats helped us to memorize our team member's names quicker and in a more entertaining way. After name splats, we played the hand game which was a game where members crossed hands and tapped the ground around the circle until someone changed the direction. Although it would have been new to the Shaoguan girls, they were surprisingly quick at accustoming to the game, and won many GIN members. Throughout the night, we could hear endless laughter from both GIN members and the Shaoguan girls alike. Students especially enjoyed singing the "Fight Song", in which the notes were higher than what we expected, but the upbeat rhythm kept us excited. Although students did not have much time with the Shaoguan girls on the first day, most of them enjoyed the activities and got to know each other for the next day. Furthermore, the students that attended the Shaogun trip previously showed delight in meeting their friends from last year.
The next day, students split into groups and one half went to home visits while the other stayed at school and interacted with the girls. This was a chance to further understand the different cultures and living situations we come from, and give an opportunity for GIN members to experience being in the shoes of Shaoguan girls. Back at school, we did a jeopardy game and stations around the school. The day ended pretty abruptly, and GIN members did not have a chance to eat the snacks they brought to share, but they all had a good time, and kept the memory of the trip by taking a group photo in the end.
Spring Shaoguan Trip 2017
The spring Shaoguan trip occurred from April 14 to 15. Students left early from AISG in the morning to leave for Shaoguan. Students arrived at around 2:30 PM to attend the different classes at the Renhua School. Students attended different classes such as biology, physics, math, history, and others. This was our first time trying this kind of activity and many students were surprised by the immense difference between the two cultures. This activity was a chance for students to experience what it would be like a student studying in China. Many were surprised by the amount of books and the strict atmosphere in the class. Not one student was off task or not paying attention. After 3 different classes, all of our students were in awe because of the difference between the cultures.
After going to classes, students were able to have lunch and later talk with the year 1 girls at the school. Several games such as name splat and the index card game were played to try and lessen the awkward atmosphere. Then the students were able to retire to bed sooner than before.
In the following morning, students left for the school early. The year 1 and 2 girls came to join us in a day of games and various activities. We showed the girls a specially prepared video about the life at our school. The girls learnt a song called “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars during this time. Games like jeopardy and treasure hunting were the highlights of this day. After a series of games and giving the girls the presents we prepared, 3 graduates gave an informative speech about college life and high school life to the girls. Then again, the inevitable time for goodbyes finally arrived and everyone sadly waved goodbye, promising another meeting in the future.
This Shaoguan trip was an opportunity for both the Shaoguan girls and our own students to have an intercultural experience.
After going to classes, students were able to have lunch and later talk with the year 1 girls at the school. Several games such as name splat and the index card game were played to try and lessen the awkward atmosphere. Then the students were able to retire to bed sooner than before.
In the following morning, students left for the school early. The year 1 and 2 girls came to join us in a day of games and various activities. We showed the girls a specially prepared video about the life at our school. The girls learnt a song called “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars during this time. Games like jeopardy and treasure hunting were the highlights of this day. After a series of games and giving the girls the presents we prepared, 3 graduates gave an informative speech about college life and high school life to the girls. Then again, the inevitable time for goodbyes finally arrived and everyone sadly waved goodbye, promising another meeting in the future.
This Shaoguan trip was an opportunity for both the Shaoguan girls and our own students to have an intercultural experience.
60 Scholarships Achieved!
Thanks to the immense support of everyone, we were able to raise enough money to sponsor 60 girls in total! We would like to thank everyone that has contributed. The wonderful girls would have never been able to receive education if it weren't for you! We give our whole-hearted thank yous to every sponsor and everyone who has contributed anything. This year has had a wonderful ending and we hope to do much better in the next year. Again, thank you so much for all your support :)
Fall Shaoguan Trip 2016
The fall Shaoguan trip of 2016 happened during October 14th to 15th. 16 students and 4 teachers rode a 3 hour bus ride to get to Shaoguan. Once they arrived at the school, they were introduced to the year 1 girls. We played games such as name splat, bingo, human knot, mr. potato, and the hand game. Different GIN members were allowed to be the leaders of the game. The girls were overjoyed with these games and the GIN members were glad to help. It was a time to get to know each other and become friends. Then we also learnt the song “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth. Although it was an unfamiliar and hard song, the girls were very patient and fast learners. After this, the GIN members went to their hotels for the night.
The next day, the year 2 girls also joined us. We played games like paper curtain, telephone, 3-6-9, and the hat game. We also sang the song once more with the girls as when the year 2 girls come to the Guangzhou trip, they will perform this song on our Open Mic Night. We also did lots of outdoor activities like Scavenger Hunts which girls were presented with a emoji cushion if they could answer all the questions. We also had outdoor games like island game, three legged race, and duck duck goose. During these games, GIN members were allowed to visit one of the girl
’s home. We got to know firsthand what their living was like and how much this scholarship impacted them. Finally before we left, one of the graduate girls gave a speech and answered questions the other Shaoguan girls had. When it was time to part, it will not be an overstatement in saying that everyone was sad. Although the whole experience was only two days, friendship had budded between us.
It was a very unique and special experience for both the Shaoguan girls and GIN members. It is one thing to be sponsoring these girls but it was a completely new thing to actually meet them. We got to know their lifestyle and school better. They try so hard in their schools in order to not let their parents and us down. They were very grateful that we were providing them with this opportunity to keep their education and after meeting them, we felt even more motivated to help them the best we can. The feelings we felt during and after the trip is not something that can be explained other than the word special. It is something that all of us will treasure.
Below is some of the comments from our own members about the trip.
The next day, the year 2 girls also joined us. We played games like paper curtain, telephone, 3-6-9, and the hat game. We also sang the song once more with the girls as when the year 2 girls come to the Guangzhou trip, they will perform this song on our Open Mic Night. We also did lots of outdoor activities like Scavenger Hunts which girls were presented with a emoji cushion if they could answer all the questions. We also had outdoor games like island game, three legged race, and duck duck goose. During these games, GIN members were allowed to visit one of the girl
’s home. We got to know firsthand what their living was like and how much this scholarship impacted them. Finally before we left, one of the graduate girls gave a speech and answered questions the other Shaoguan girls had. When it was time to part, it will not be an overstatement in saying that everyone was sad. Although the whole experience was only two days, friendship had budded between us.
It was a very unique and special experience for both the Shaoguan girls and GIN members. It is one thing to be sponsoring these girls but it was a completely new thing to actually meet them. We got to know their lifestyle and school better. They try so hard in their schools in order to not let their parents and us down. They were very grateful that we were providing them with this opportunity to keep their education and after meeting them, we felt even more motivated to help them the best we can. The feelings we felt during and after the trip is not something that can be explained other than the word special. It is something that all of us will treasure.
Below is some of the comments from our own members about the trip.
- This year was special because I had to organise it and I really enjoyed it. I feel like think I can do better next time.
- I thought it was better because I saw people I that got to know from before.
- We got to know bout their conditions they were living in so that was interesting.
- I like that I got to know the girls even though there was a communication barrier.
- This was my first time and it was fun because I got to know new friends from the world. I am still contacting some of them.
- I liked their positive attitude during the trip.
- I especially liked the singing part and how we interacted with them.
- I think that overall we just get better. I liked this trip because I saw a lot of different people leading.
Renhua Award
We have received the exciting news that CWEF, the Concordia Welfare Education Center, has won the “Advanced Unit of Contribution to Education” Award from the Renhua County Administration as a result of our support of Renhua Middle School. Although we were not able to participate in the awarding ceremony, we are so grateful to have received this award and we will keep trying harder to make amazing achievements. We want to thank everyone for their support! Thank you. :)