There's always hope
Ayoung survivor of the Sichuan earthquake said the tragedy changed her outlook on life and urged Hong Kong students to cherish what they have.
He Yan, 13, was speaking at a forum organised by the charity Heifer International - Hong Kong (Heifer HK) last week.
Teenagers Yu Jianmin and Li Qiuxia - both from underprivileged mainland families - were also present at the sharing session in which about 600 students took part.
The forum provided an opportunity for Hong Kong students to learn about life in mainland villages.
Yan said her family never gave up hope after the disaster last May, which killed about 80,000 people and made millions homeless.
When the quake struck, she and her younger brother were on their way to school, she recalled. Nothing happened to them, but their home was destroyed. Fortunately, their parents, too, survived.
Yan said she became more mature after the tragedy. 'I used to play around all the time before the earthquake. Now, I help my parents with the housework to lighten their burden,' she said.
Jianmin and Qiuxia were forced to quit school because of poverty. With the help of Heifer HK, their living standards have improved and they have been able to go back to school.
'During hard times, we have to be tougher to overcome difficulties,' said Qiuxia. 'A little help can give hope to those who are suffering.' While thanking Heifer for its assistance, Jianmin encouraged Hong Kong students to help the poor. 'A little help can change one's life,' she said.
Heifer HK will be organising 'Chores for Change', which encourages students to raise funds through voluntary work. It will be held from March 4 to 6, and the money will be used to help quake survivors rebuild homes. St Stephen's College Preparatory School conducted a trial recently, raising more than HK$25,000 over three days.
Heifer HK hopes to raise HK$350,000 from next month's event.