Teacher Gu Huabo is a 22-year-old preschool teacher from our Send A Volunteer Teacher Program (SVT). Since September 2024, he has been facilitating Chinese language and Physical Education classes for 51 fourth-grade students in China. He shares his experiences and profound understanding of children’s strengths through a letter.
In September 2024, I embarked on a heartfelt journey to teach in a remote mountainous area. Despite the breathtaking scenery, the lack of educational resources was stark and sobering.
The school, perched atop a hill, became the stage for my story with the children. When I first arrived, what I saw tugged at my heartstrings: the new school building was still under construction, and the students were learning in makeshift classrooms. Their innocent faces brimmed with curiosity, but their eyes revealed a longing for the world beyond the mountains.
Once, I organized a hike with the students. The mountain path was rugged, yet their determined expressions were inspiring. When I struggled to keep up, some students pulled me from the front while others pushed me from behind. I marveled at their stamina—such small bodies carried a strength I couldn’t match. At the summit, we cheered together, and I took the opportunity to teach them the meaning of the poem, ‘To see a thousand miles, climb yet another height.’ Though they listened with a mix of understanding and confusion, their rapt attention warmed my heart.
Home visits became an essential part of my volunteer life. One visit, in particular, left a lasting impression. In a dimly lit home with worn-out furniture, I met a girl whose father worked far away, leaving her mother to care for four or five children. I shared her progress with her parents and promised to provide extra support.
On my way back to school, I considered what small items might help the students most. Eventually, I purchased water bottles for the class. The children’s radiant smiles when they received them are etched in my memory, helping me understand the deep emotions of those who travel miles to support these children.
In the classroom, I strived to make learning engaging, using role-play to bring language lessons to life. Watching the children make steady progress filled me with genuine joy. During my time in the mountains, we accompanied and nurtured each other, growing together.
I brought them knowledge and care; they taught me about responsibility and perseverance. This experience was like a ray of light, illuminating our paths and leaving a lasting brilliance in the river of time. It remains an unforgettable and cherished chapter in my heart.
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