The charity programmes at YCIS create amazing opportunities for students to truly think about what they can do to make the world a better place. “Love and charity” is a part of our school’s motto that aims to promote a charitable heart in each individual, as well as the passion for helping others. YCIS has hosted many events in promoting this concept, such as bake sales, Charity Week, volunteer work during our EOTC trips, and simple opportunities to just volunteer your time; these chances offer a versatility that is unparalleled.

One recent, successful charity event hosted this year was our 3rd Annual YCIS ‘MAD’ Run (‘Make A Difference’ Run), which was inspired by the annual, global ‘Terry Fox Run’, which aims to raise money and awareness for the fight against cancer. The MAD Run encourages families and students to participate in a “fun run” in the spirit of making a difference for others. This year, YCIS was very fortunate to raise over 50,000 RMB to donate to the Hand in Hand hospice in Shanghai. Personally, I thought that this was a creative way to support our school’s motto. This experience allowed us to see the difference we could make, it allowed us to enjoy ourselves, spend quality time with our friends and family, as well as to know that deep in our hearts we have made even a marginal difference in the world.

There are many reasons why charity is important -- from empowering the betterment of an individual to making a positive impact on our community. YCIS has given its students an array of opportunities to experience and understand this. And in my years at YCIS, I have truly experienced and learned things that I otherwise would not have learned.