At YCIS Shanghai, an entire week of awareness, fundraising and charitable work all started with a small group of Year 8s thinking big, wanting to change the world, wanting to help the people of Japan days after the multiple disasters of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear leakage that struck Japan in March.

Apart from raising awareness on this issue, the Year 8s decided to take action and raise funds to help and do their part. They gathered together on short notice to create a plan for the week: Monday–Bake Sale; Wednesday–Candy Raffle; Thursday–Free Dress Day; Friday–Student Council Games, Pizza Sale, Rock Concert, Silent Art Auction.

Their plans and efforts proved to everyone that they were capable of being good leaders and inspiring others to participate and donate generously. From everyone’s contributions, this initiative raised nearly RMB45,000 yuan for the disaster victims. Apart from the money raised, the Year 8 students also accomplished their goal to motivate other students to act and respond to disasters in a caring and generous way.