Our One More Year Scholarship Program (OMY) partners with Shenzhen Charity Federation to support 500 qualified girls (and some boys) for “One More Year” in senior high school. If they successfully meet the scholarship requirements, we will continue to support them until they graduate.
One of our beneficiaries is Lianzha Shili (22), who hails from a poor family of four. When she thought she could no longer go to school, we reached out to her, and in return, she sent us a heartwarming letter about how OMY changed her life for the better.
“Greetings!
First of all, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your quiet support and encouragement over the past three years. I will always remember the kindness you have shown me. Your help during these difficult years has been like giving charcoal in the snow—not only has it reduced the burden on my family, but it has also brought warmth to my life. I often think: if it weren’t for your support, my life would have been much more difficult. I may never be able to repay your selfless generosity, but I will strive to improve my academic performance and live up to your expectations. If possible, I hope to become someone like you—someone who spreads love and kindness to others.
As for my current family situation: our income is very limited. We rely solely on my younger brother, who works outside the village, while my aging mother can only do basic farm work. Our income is unstable and often not enough to cover our expenses. Especially now that I’m in my final year of high school, we must pay both tuition and fees for extra classes. I can feel the growing financial pressure on my brother, and it pains me to see my mother getting thinner and more worn out. I wish I had the ability to care for her better, but right now, my only task is to study hard.
Time flies, and the college entrance exam is fast approaching. To be honest, senior year is never easy for anyone. It brings not only physical exhaustion but also emotional stress. The pressure keeps building, and whenever I struggle to understand a lesson, I feel a deep sadness and fear of disappointing those who care about me. Even though I often feel this way, I’ve never thought of giving up. No matter what, I am determined to keep going.
My dream is to become a kind and patient doctor who truly cares for her patients. When I see doctors yelling at patients, it makes me want even more to be different—to treat each patient with care and respect. While I know my abilities still fall short of my ambitions, if I can’t fulfill my dream, I still hope to help those in need in other ways.
Right now, my plan is to make the most of the 200-plus days left. I’ll cut down on sleep, make full use of every minute during the day, and not waste any time that should be spent working hard. I can accept failure, but I cannot accept becoming lazy or giving up on myself. I won’t forgive myself if I don’t at least try my best. I believe that one who truly puts in the effort will be rewarded.”
My high school journey is coming to an end. With your support and the impact you’ve had on me, I hope that in the future I’ll be able to help others in need, to bring warmth to their lives just as you have done for me. I want to gather love, share love, and spread positive energy in society.
Finally, I sincerely wish you good health, a happy family, and success in all things!”
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RMB 3,200 | USD 40 a month is all it takes to keep a girl in school for ONE MORE YEAR, giving her the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
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