Singer brings a note of cheer to underprivileged children in Yunnan

There's no question about Sandy Lam Yik-lin's vocal ability, and now she wants to be the voice of underprivileged children in Yunnan , too. The 43-year-old singer (and mother of an 11-year-old girl) recently visited the provincial capital, Kunming , and county of Mojiang on behalf of Save the Children. As ambassador, Lam put aside her celebrity status to bring a little cheer, meeting children with physical disabilities or those too poor to afford schooling.

'Listening is a fundamental way for us to pay respect to another person,' Lam said. 'Even if they are only children, they demand our respect. I'm happy to be able to share their feelings and wishes, and hopefully help bring their voices to the people in Hong Kong. The trip made me understand the importance of protecting children's rights.'

Lam was most touched by the plight of two under-age girls who were rescued from two years of forced prostitution. 'They were both from very poor families and they went to the city looking for jobs, hoping to help their families,' Lam (pictured with one of the girls) recalled. 'Unfortunately, they were sold by their own village relatives into prostitution in a nearby country.

'What struck me the most was the fact that despite their hardships and treatment, these girls remain strong and hopeful for their future. But it also made me think, how could we allow all this to happen to innocent children?'

The charity's website is SavetheChildren.net/hong_kong.