Layers and Literacy – 150 rural poor primary students now warm and inspired

by Crystal Matterson

How do you dress when it’s cold outside? Do you layer? Where do you go to get lost in your favorite book? Perhaps you frequent the local library. Now, so can our friends in Gengga Village, thanks to project manager Zhou Tso!

In December of 2014, Byron Yee,  MillwardBrown Greater China and Barlean’ssponsored a Captivating project in Western Qinghai Province to provide layers of sweaters and books to a small village. 150 primary school students now sport new sweaters, as well as gain literacy in a new library stocked with 480 English, Chinese, and Tibetan books.

This project has not only relieved a huge burden from the parents in the community, who will struggle to provide enough warm clothes for the children during the winter,  but it has increased the awareness of education. Just like the sweaters, there are many layers of benefit from this library. The students now have a safe place to get lost in a book, as do the teachers (who also have more teaching material). The kids themselves will have more color and fun in their day through books they will actually enjoy to read.  For many, this will increase their motivation to keep learning and try their best.  And let’s not forget the local villagers who will themselves become more accomplished through use of the library.

Our thanks to Zhou Tso, our on-the-ground volunteer program manager who made this happen.  To Shamtse, one of our Qinghai based charity partners, and to Byron Yee and friends for making this all possible due to his desire to make a difference in the world.  Onwards and upwards.  What’s next Byron?

TAKE ACTION:  If you’re reading this and would like to fund your very own project with Captivating, contact andrewc@captivating.org directly.  He’d love to hear from you and has a long list of project possibilities aimed at bringing hope to children in need of your help.