OCEF

各位义工朋友：

一纸秋鹤自手中浮现翩翩，夕阳沙沙作响，竟忘了光影中的长衫尽是秋的印迹；步步金叶承托着时光的温存，眼里总有希冀，而夜月确似它的唯一。微露之后，终是晨曦。

来自河南、河北、山西、甘肃和湖南等地老师们的反馈如期而至。OCEF不断汇聚来自乡村教师的热情和努力。让点点微光组成一盏永不熄灭的明灯，照亮孩子前行之路。从图书选择、组织阅读到引导学生，老师们持续分享着学生阅读能力提升的喜悦，教师群体是一线教育的实践者和护航人。

助学金项目部核对、整理了学生账号和查询开户行支行信息。秋季助学金资助覆盖14个省份32名协调员，核准资助小学初中194所、学生656人，核准资助金额329,150元；核准资助高中学校81所、学生1081人，核准资助金额1,711,500元，合计协调员补贴29,160元，核准发款共计2,069,810元。10月份有70名同学递交了大学新生奖学金申请，发放金额210,000元。今年共281名同学递交了大学新生奖学金，合计金额843,000元。感谢张华、Eli、蔡波恩、Catherine、何泳卓、贺庆、子墨、张云、殷鸣娇、桂红宁、曾振华、秋阳、铁丁丁为学生采购图书。

特殊项目部为甘肃临洮县三十铺小学捐赠单人课桌椅83套，电子白板1套；为甘肃临洮县二十铺中学捐赠单人课桌椅100套；为湖南郴州豪山中心小学捐赠办公电脑6台。OCEF从2015年春季学期开始资助西坪小学的第一位支教老师，到本学期为止已经整整资助20位支教老师了，至今OCEF为西坪小学提供131800元的各种资助。这九年以来，支教老师人数以及OCEF资助金额的变化都见证了国内一个普通山区村小的扩建以及缩编的发展历程。

图书资助项目部本月共收到河南省两所学校的图书室资助申请和4个省7所学校54位老师提交的班级图书角资助申请；为4个省的10所学校29个班级配置图书1732册，受益学生1732名；为两所学校的图书室配置图书1120册，受益学生564名。本月共收到34位老师的图书捐助反馈，其中部分摘选如下。

河南省新乡市辉县市孟庄镇三里屯小学饶老师：

学生排队、文明有序地挑选自己想读的书。通过阅读激发学生读书热情，让学生们在阅读中感受学习的乐趣，让学生养成多读书、读好书、会读书的习惯，并从书本中体会到心灵的慰籍，寻找生活的榜样，净化自己的心灵。

河南省新乡市辉县市孟庄镇三里屯小学王老师：

收到捐赠的图书后，孩子们特别高兴，迫不及待要先睹为快。我们采纳了孩子们的建议，同学们先进行自主阅读，每个人自己选一本喜欢的书自主读，读后再换。老师每周至少用一节课的时间给孩子们讲绘本，每周至少一本。每周还进行一次好书推荐活动，孩子们会轮流推荐自己喜欢的图书。

山西省大同市广灵县斗泉九年制学校郭老师：

为进一步推动我们班同学的读书热情，增长知识，活跃校园文化，树立正气，营造清风屡屡满校园的书香氛围。我班在9月23日开展了“亲近书本，喜爱读书，学会读书，逐渐养成热爱书籍、博览群书的好习惯”的活动。通过开展读书节活动，进一步提高了学生的思想觉悟和文化底蕴，有力地促进了和谐班集体的建设，营造了书香校园氛围，达到了活动的良好效果。

河北省邢台市清河县劝礼联合小学杨老师：

通过阅读，增加了学生的知识面，开阔视野，激发学生的学习兴趣，增强孩子们的阅读能力，可以树立正确的人生观、开阔眼界、滋润心灵、化解烦恼、直面困难、充实自己、提高自我修养、表达能力、写作能力和逻辑思维能力等等。

甘肃省武威市凉州区黄羊镇黄羊实验小学李老师：

上学期开展了诵读比赛、讲故事比赛、作文写作比赛以及摘录好词好句。因为申请的书都是学生喜欢看的，所以学生表现得很积极，参与度也高，特别是关于科普类的图书以及绘本，学生很喜欢，讲故事讲的也很好，拓宽了学生的视野，培养了学生的思维和认知能力。

湖南省益阳市安化县仙溪镇山口学校幼儿园姚老师：

3-6岁的儿童喜欢阅读绘本，虽然其中4-5岁的孩子已经能够自己独立的进行阅读，但他们都非常期待与爸爸妈妈和老师一起来阅读。阅读是孩子们非常重要的学习途径。没有孩子不喜欢绘本，而绘本也并非孩子的专利，我们成年人一样也能从绘本中吸收养分获得滋养与启发。因此，我们开展“心阅读，爱陪伴”亲子阅读打卡活动，让我们一起陪伴孩子阅读，静下心来，慢慢地细细地去品味孩子在绘本故事中的快乐和喜悦。亲子阅读，既是爱的陪伴，也是我们与孩子共同成长的重要体验。

海外中国教育基金会（OCEF）创立于1992年，致力于资助大陆乡村教育、维护教育公平。迄今，OCEF为1300多所乡村学校捐赠图书67万多册，并建立图书室。直接资助中小学生77400多人次。据不完全统计，这些受助学生中有两千多人最终得以进入大学深造。在2022年，有3724人次获得助学金，323名受资助的高中生考上大学，获得大学新生奖学金。回信组的23位义工共给受助学生写信643封。图书组有15名乡村代课教师得到资助，67所学校得到图书资助，资助的图书总数达16335册。特殊项目部为11所学校捐赠书桌椅和改善教室宿舍设施等。

编辑：王琦（Kikie） 审校：王猛 排版：汤柏

编者按：2016年的7月，海外中国教育基金会（OCEF）在甘肃省白银市会宁县头寨子镇共丰村展开了第四期支教夏令营活动。共丰小学所在的会宁县，自然条件严酷，干旱缺水，是以雨养农业为主的国家扶贫开发重点县之一。即使条件艰苦，来自世界各地的志愿者仍然愿意跨过山野为那里的教育伸出援手。这次支教，总共有45位义工参加，每位成员都秉着分享知识，关注贫困儿童的初衷来到了这里。义工朱玮出发前通过QQ联系了一位家在共丰学校边上的牙医。这位牙医不但加入义工行列为孩子们上了一堂牙齿保健课，还用自己的笔记录下了夏令营的点点滴滴。

短暂而难忘的2016暑期海外基金会夏令营活动今天在共丰中小学画上了圆满的句号，孩子们的真情流露于眼眶。在这送别的日子唯有拥抱和泪水承载着孩子们不舍的感情，感谢每一位支教老师用你们的汗水和真情激活了孩子们澎湃的内心。看了这么多孩子们为老师们准备的小节目无一不流露心中对老师的不舍和感恩之情，最后看到老师们连夜为孩子们编作的一首合唱《小村庄》也触动了我的心，最后还是感谢！

真心感谢整个支教团队的辛劳付出，你们从世界各国各地汇集到共丰只为这些孩子们这已经是个很感人的故事了，孩子们通过你们了解到了世界各国的文化和历史以及各种有趣的生活经历这将是终身难忘的。希望有缘，希望你们多年后还能来到这个小村庄，孩子们会想你们的。爬山，跳舞，做游戏，种种欢乐的笑脸已定格在照片中和孩子们的记忆力。

Editor’s note: In July 2016, OCEF organized the 4th Summer Teaching Camp in the village of Gongfeng in Huining County, Baiyin City, Gansu Province. Huining County is on the national list for poverty support due to its harsh, arid natural environment. Despite the challenging setting, 45 volunteers from all over the world gathered here with the same purpose: sharing knowledge and caring for children in poverty. Before setting off for Huining, one the volunteers, Zhu Wei, contacted a dentist who lives near Gongfeng Elementary School. The dentist not only joined the summer camp as a volunteer to teach the children about dental health, but he also recorded his memories from the experience, including the following.

The 2016 OCEF Summer Camp was short but memorable. It concluded today at Gongfeng Elementary School and the kids got very emotional towards the end. With hugs and tears, they thanked the volunteers for touching their hearts with hard work and sincerity. I was also very moved to see the kids performing a chorus piece called Little Village, which the teachers had worked late into the night to arrange.

Thank you, the OCEF Summer Camp team! You gathered in Gongfeng from all around the world for the children, and opened for them a rare window into life in other countries as well as the culture and history of those countries, which will leave a profound impact on them for years to come. I hope there will be another opportunity for us to have you in this small village; the kids will miss you. Hiking, dancing, the games, and all the smiling faces…this summer is forever captured in the pictures and the memories of the kids.

编者按：在旷远的西部，由于边远和贫困，工资低，又缺乏保障，不少地方难以补充到合格教师，大批村级小学只好找“代课教师”维持运转。这样的“代课教师”目前全国有60万名，至少承担着1200万名农村孩子的教育。为了帮助这些乡村教师提升教学质量，OCEF教师组安排义工和受助老师一对一地沟通，不断探讨和总结教学中涌现的问题和经验。以下为山东一位老师的月度总结节选。阅读全文请访问OCEF论坛。如您有兴趣帮助老师们一起成长，欢迎加入教师组。

6月6日，一大早王显军老师就把海外中国教育基金会给我们捐赠的图书拉来了，校长就打开一个箱子，露出两本书《阳光姐姐》和《谁是莫扎特》，我抢先看了。看了莫扎特有很多感慨，在空间里瞎说了两句，我同学说，你35年没干什么，你培养了35个莫扎特。这句话说的大了，反过来想想一辈子有机会做教育还是蛮开心的。我五年级的儿子也看了《阳光姐姐》这本书，天天要另外五本。由于是农忙时间，校长说等过两天再拆箱发书，家长参与，让孩子知道感恩。所以我也不敢翻找另外的《阳光姐姐》。
终于等到发书日子。校长亲自整理了图书，我们老师每人都参与了班级选书。我选的是适合我们低年级的绘本，选到后就讲了绘本《我爱你》。讲到一半正好下课了，我说，你们想不想知道接下来发生什么事，自己看吧。结果这本书一天没的休息，被孩子们争过来抢过去。还记得传书仪式那天，两点半开始的，艳阳高照，33度的高温。家长、孩子、老师个个热的满头大汗，没有一个人喊热的，好像都忘记高温天气了。

家长和孩子都迫不及待的打开书读起来，每个人脸上都带着满足的微笑。王祥琳的家长给我说，我家琳琳原来多动症可厉害了，菏泽、北京的医院都去过，医生说没毛病，我们都愁死了。没想到老师让他带回家的图画书能让他坐住，他最爱看《大卫▪不可以》那本书了。我听后专门又给他推荐了一本书《不是我的错》，和妈妈一起读。胡奥杰的爷爷说，这是哪个好人捐的书，一本都要几十块，我们那里舍得买，这书真不孬;咱们得让孩子好好学习，别糟蹋了这些好书。我们的老师这次也热情高涨，都悄悄的为自己和子女选书。我找到一本刘秀老师（OCEF工作人员—编者注）推荐的教育方面的书，不过书已经被牛娜老师挑走了，结果又被校长抢了去先读为快。

6月28日，教委来常规检查。为了这次检查，把我忙的焦头烂额。接下来两天考试，又没时间阅读了。终于忙完之后，今天下午第一节课领着孩子们读绘本《跑跑镇》。我问孩子们，有几个读过的请举手，有三十多个。开始讲封面，上面有什么呢?小鹰和小猫，会发生什么故事呢？老师没读过，不知道，你们愿意给同学们读一读吗？刚开始哇哇乱叫，真读时反倒没人举手了，那好吧，老师读。小猫哒哒哒，小鹰哒哒哒，咣，变成猫头鹰。黑熊哒哒哒，白熊哒哒哒，咣，变成熊猫。读完了我说，还有没有“咣”的故事，在我们生活中，孩子一下停住了，说不出来。我提示说，比如太阳和月亮“咣”撞在一起了，还是回答不上。邓苏恒举手了，说：“明”。回答的很好。接着我们又说到了：尖、歪、卡等等。邓佳鑫还说：宝盖哒哒哒，子哒哒哒，咣变成了“字”。哈哈！剩下的时间自由结合成组共读一本书，效果蛮好，是孩子自己喜欢的读书方式。书架上的书刚整理了，下课又乱了，我说乱就乱吧，一天整理一次就行，乱说明孩子喜欢读。

有书读的日子真开心。

（山东定陶胡海小学李巧真，2016年6月30日）

Editor’s note: In western China, many schools have to rely on “substitute” teachers as it is very hard for them to recruit qualified regular teachers due to less desirable locations, low wages and uncertain job security. There are about 600,000 “substitute” teachers nation-wide, carrying out education for at least 12 million students. In order to improve the quality of teaching in rural places, the OCEF Teachers Program has arranged for 1-on-1 communication between volunteers and teachers to share experiences and discuss issues. Below is an abridged monthly summary from a teacher in Shandong Province. To read the full article, please visit the OCEF Forum. If you are interested in helping the teachers grow, please join our Teachers Program.

On June 6, Teacher Wang went out early in the morning to get the books donated to us by OCEF. The principal opened one of the boxes and I picked up the first two books that popped into sight,Sister Sunshine and Who Is Mozart. After reading the Mozart book I had a lot of thoughts and shared them on my blog. One of my friends responded: “You may not think much of what you have done in the past 35 years, but you have cultivated 35 Mozarts.” While I know that statement is exaggerated, I feel very delighted for the opportunity to be a teacher in my life. My 5th-grade son finished reading Sister Sunshine and could not wait to read the other five books in the series, but I could not satisfy him because the principal told us to delay circulating the books for a few days. It was the busiest time of the year for the farmers, and he wanted the parents to participate in the book-passing ceremony and help the kids learn to appreciate.

Finally, it was time to distribute the books. The principal prepared the books in person and every teacher took part in picking books for his or her class. I selected illustrated books suitable for the younger kids in my class and read the book I Love You to the students during class. I was only half way through when the class was over, so I told the students to read the rest by themselves if they wanted to know what happened next. That book went from one kid to another throughout the day. I remembered the day when we distributed the books. The ceremony started around 2:30 p.m. on a sunny day, and the temperature was a very hot 33 degrees Celsius. Everybody was sweating—parents, kids, and teachers—but nobody seemed to care.

Both the parents and the kids were eager to open up a book and read, and everybody was smiling. The parents of one kid told me that he suffered from ADHD-like symptoms and could never calm down. They had taken him to doctors as far away as in Beijing but the doctors had insisted that there was nothing wrong with him, which left them very frustrated. When they saw him sitting still reading a book, they could hardly believe it. His favorite book was No, David. I recommended Not My Fault for the parents and the kid to read together. Another kid’s grandfather asked who those good people were that donated the books. He wanted to make sure that the children would take good care of the books, so beautiful and so expensive to buy, and study hard to do the books justice. The teachers got into it as well, and all were busy picking books for themselves and their own children to read. I found a book on education that Teacher Sue (OCEF staffer—editor) had recommended, expect that Teacher Niu had beaten me to it, only to “lose” it to the principal who wanted to read it first.

On June 28, there was a routine inspection by the county education department. I had to spend a lot of time to prepare for the inspection, and then there were two days of exams for the students—two more days when we did not have time to read. Finally it was over and today I got to lead the students in reading a book call Run-Run Town. After we read about how a cat and an eagle crashed into each other and become an owl, and how a black bear and a polar bear did the same to become a panda, we did an interesting exercise to see what would happen if Chinese characters crash into each other, and what new characters they might make. Once we finished that book, it was free reading time, when the kids would form groups and read books by themselves. They liked reading so much that the bookshelves always looked disorganized no matter how hard I tried to keep them tidy. I thought to myself: That's OK, we'll just tidy up the books once a day. This mess reflects how much they love to read, so it’s a good mess.

Every day when you can read books, it’s a great day.

(Li Qiaozhen, Huhai Elementary School, Dingtao, Shandong; June 30, 2016)

第26期（2016年8月）/No. 26 (August 2016)
组稿：杨敏 翻译：何雪炀 编校：汤柏
Compiled by Catherine Yang Translated by He Xueyang Edited by Tang Bai

海外中国教育基金会/Overseas China Education Foundation

地址/Address: P. O. Box 772436, Houston, Texas 77215-2436, USA
电话/Telephone: (281) 506-2018 电子邮件/e-mail: 该E-mail地址已受到防止垃圾邮件机器人的保护，您必须启用浏览器的Java Script才能看到。

捐款链接/To make a donation to OCEF: https://ocef.org/donation

了解更多OCEF义工工作/To learn more about OCEF volunteers and their work：
https://www.ocef.org/publication/vol-newsflash

在我们告别难忘的2020，迎接2021的时刻,我们由衷地感谢每一位给与我们支持和鼓励的朋友,感谢你们28年来的伴随和信任，也在此祝福你和你的家人，愿你们的善良，慷慨和无私在新的一年带给你们更多的平安满足和快乐。

助学路上有你，就不会有孤单

感谢各位关心乡村教育的朋友们的信任和支持！在12月1日为期24小时的GlobalGiving #GivingTuesday活动中，180位捐款人为OCEF慷慨捐款$42,370,获得配捐$13,763，共筹得$56,134，并且成功使得OCEF在过去八年间通过GlobalGiving平台募集的善款超过$50万，这是一个新的里程碑！以此送别别样的2020，纵情期盼2021的新世界！

一对一项目还有学生期待您的援手

到目前为止，OCEF今年的一对一资助项目所有270名小学生都已经被选择资助。此外，还有374名初中生、890名高中生也有了一对一捐款人。目前我们的一对一项目还有410名初中生和87名高中生可由您认捐资助。如果您希望参与助学金一对一捐助活动，请登陆OCEF捐款系统，捐款之后进入资助系统选择学生，在这个系统里，可以看到学生材料，比如学生来信、照片、成绩单等。

As we bid the unforgettable 2020 goodbye and welcome a hopeful 2021, we are immensely thankful for your benevolence. It was 28 years of love and trust from people like you that have shaped OCEF today. May your love and kindness to others bring you and your family good fortune and happiness in the new year!

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of you who stood by us to support our cause. The GlobalGiving #GivingTuesday event has closed with $42,370 donated to OCEF from 180 generous donors, which brought in a matching fund of $13,763 for a total of $56,134. With this, OCEF has raised more than $500,000 through the GlobalGiving event over the past eight years, a new milestone. Thanks to the overwhelming love from the community, OCEF is ending 2020 on a high note and greeting a whole new 2021 with confidence.

By now, all 270 elementary school students in the 1-on-1 aid program have been matched with respective donors, and 373 junior high students and 890 high school students as well. If you wish to be part of this program, there are still 410 junior high students and 87 high school students available for matching. The 1-to-1 aid program can be accessed through our webpage. Once you have made your donation, feel free to log into the system to choose specific students to sponsor. You will also be able to check on your sponsored student’s basic information, photographs, transcripts, correspondence and so on.

每年春秋两季，OCEF的孩子们在收到慈善捐款后，都会给OCEF写来反馈表或感谢信，字里行间，一笔一划，讲述着他们的学习、生活、感激，分享着他们的喜悦、烦恼、心愿。虽然远隔千山万水，我们仿佛和他们在一起，共同翻阅一本书，在阳光下骑过田野，与伙伴们嬉笑玩耍，帮家人分担劳动，我们就在他们身边。我们捐赠的不止是一笔钱，而是献出了一份真诚的情感。孩子们心里种下了感恩的种子，待春风吹时，会发出芽，开出花。

霍同学，甘肃会宁（女，高中）：

宋同学，内蒙古察右前旗（女，高中）：

我最喜欢看课外书。有一次，我早上起来就开始看课外书了，看着看着我就入了神。不知不觉午饭时间到了，而我还没有回过神来。而家里的人也不知道哪儿去了。快两点的时候，爸爸才从外面回来。看我还没有做饭，一下子生起了气，还严令我不要看课外书。但我哪能同意，仍然还看，但这种事也减少了许多。

阿鲁同学，四川乐山（女，高中）：

到高中了，学习的方法让我找不到边，与初中截然不同。刚开始，我就像坐飞机，不知道老师讲得是什么（尤其是英语）。现在呢，适应了些，但还没能完全跟上老师的节奏。希望能越来越好。也希望爸妈能好好的。（编者注：这个同学的父母经常闹些小矛盾，让不能经常回家的阿鲁同学每次回家都感到很烦恼。）高中生活确实苦啊，睡眠时间远远不够，每天都是国家一级保护动物。我希望经过我的努力，让今后的生活充满光彩。

陈同学，内蒙古集宁（女，高中）：

有一次，我的室友没有带饭卡，然后她也没有和我们说，只是说不想吃了。在食堂，恰巧碰到了她的同桌，她的同桌说她没带饭卡。我们当时就很懊悔，为什么当时没有问清楚原因呢。害得她饿肚子。最后我们帮她买了一个饼子带给她，她特别开心，说“我没想到你们会买给我，我特别开心。认识你们真好”。我当时会心地笑了。

张同学，内蒙古察右后旗（女，高中）：

生活中的小故事：我哥哥上星期不念书了，我现在是全家人的摩托，所以我必须要好好学习，可是我也压力很大的，我根本没有一点放松的时间。但是我不能抱怨，因为我没有那个资格，我父母那么辛苦，还都没有一句怨言，所以我一定要努力，继续加油。

刘同学，甘肃柴门（女，小学）：

阿巫同学，四川乐山（女，高中）：

我从小锻炼时间就少，所以身体也是比较差的。这次学校的体育测试，女生跑800米计时，我以为我跑不了，老师也说只要跑完就行。出乎意料地是，我竟然把同学们甩到了后面，也许是我运气好，也许是心无杂念，也许完全把学习上的苦恼都释放了出来，很轻松，最后到达终点3’30”，我出其不意地跑了第一。给我最大的启示就是：我坚持了，我做到了自己。也希望自己能在高考时，也能出现有一个奇迹。

李同学，内蒙古察右前旗（男，高中）：

我喜欢打篮球。在知道学校设有篮球队时，我兴奋不已，当即便加入了球队。它能给我一种放荡的自由，给予我一个专属于我的舞台。尽管每天训练很苦，但终以微笑面对……然而训练每天都要耽误两节课，文理分科后，从五班到了三班，大家都说是个好机会。我自己也这样认为。班主任也几次来找我谈话，劝我慎重考虑。那几天我陷入了沉思……经过几天的思想斗争，最终为了未来梦想，还是弃体从理了。

张同学，内蒙古察右后旗（女，高中）：

今年国庆节的时候学校开了运动会，而我很不幸地感冒了，还带扁桃体发炎，挺严重的。运动会我只去了一天，后来都没有看到，但舍友很贴心地给我录了下来，还给我打水、打饭，半夜为我盖被子。心里很暖，我很幸运遇到了她们，并有幸成为她们的舍友。有了她们在，我的生活才更美好。

党同学，河南栾川（女，初中）：

吉克同学，四川乐山（女，高中）：

在英语课堂上，Miss杨为我们评讲英语练习册，“That is the only way that we can imagine ___ the overuse of water in students’ bathrooms”，横线上应该填的是to reduce，而我却记得imagine后面应该接动名词做宾语，所以我填的是reducing。Miss杨把这道题讲了一遍后再问我该填什么，我说reducing，她再问我该填什么，我还是说reducing。Miss杨提高了声音再问我，我也很大声地吼出reducing……从那以后，同学们都说我被reducing给洗脑了。现在想想，自己真地很搞笑，也终于把它记住了。

杨同学，内蒙古察右后旗（女，高中）：

还和往常一样，我准时从家出发，当时下的雪还很大。雪花拍打着我的脸，眼睛都无法睁开。就在这时，我隐隐约约看到马路边的一对父女。那位父亲背着他女儿的书包，把自己仅有的帽子给女儿。那一天虽然冷，但是那对父女拉着手露出会心的微笑。自己心里想父爱是伟大的，顿时，我想到了自己的父亲。

利同学，内蒙古察右前旗（女，高中）：

我的班主任对我特别好。记得有一次，我那个星期交饭卡的钱丢了，班主任听到后，二话不说递给我五十元，我特别感动。老师对我说：“以后有困难就和我说，帮不了你很多，也能尽些绵薄之力”。我听完后，特别感动，决心要好好读书，用优异的成绩报答老师对我的恩情。

谭同学，湖南新邵（女，小学）：

罗同学，四川乐山（女，高中）：

夏日炎炎的下午天，互相打架的眼睛，总是在同学捏我的手过后醒过来，阵阵疼痛过来，提神抗疲劳，听讲，与习题作战。

张同学，内蒙古察右后旗（女，高中）：

在假期，妈妈答应给我买身衣服，我特别开心。第二天，我和妈妈就坐上了去丰镇的车。在车上，我和妈妈一直在讨论要买什么样的衣服。在不知不觉中就到了丰镇了。我们下车之后直奔商场而去。我看中了一双鞋。问了服务员价钱之后，我犹豫了，担心钱的问题。因为到现在，我们家的房子都是住别人的。我对妈妈说：“咱们再去别的地方看看吧！”但妈妈看见我喜欢，执意要买，到现在我都清晰地记着，那双鞋120元。后来妈妈也看中个褂子，问了服务员价钱之后，看了一眼衣服后向我这边走来了。我问妈妈怎么没买，妈妈说：“你上学自然要穿好的，我们有衣服穿就行了。”我眼中有了泪花。从那以后，我再也没有要求妈妈给我买新衣服。

曹同学，四川蓬安（男）：

在前不久，在我和我朋友回家去吃饭的路上，“你们班上下自习后还有人留在教室里写作业，你知不知道？”他忽然问了我一句。“什么？我怎么不知道，真的吗？”我很惊讶地问道。“嗯，我听他们班的在校生说的，所以，今晚上我也要留在教室里做完作业再回去。”他说道。“什么？你家那么远啊！那你回去得多迟！不行，我也要去学校做作业，做完后再回去！”我不禁被刺激地回答道。

侯同学，湖南新邵（男，小学）：

阿巫同学，四川乐山（男，高中）：

我一个很重要的朋友欺骗了我，我和他有将近一个礼拜没有说过话，一直在冷战。后来我找他谈了话，并告诉他我原谅他。我觉得在每个人的成长中，都有点点滴滴或多或少有谎言相伴，有些出于善意，有些出于无奈。同时也有违心的话脱口而出。我们应真诚地接受，应冷静地面对。

史同学，内蒙古集宁（女，高中）：

上一回月考成绩特别不理想，考试成绩公布后，有一段时间我的心情特别低落，我做好准备接受别人或嘲讽或质疑的目光，但这次考完试走出考场时亲耳听见别人的议论声：“你看XXX，她居然在这个考场……”，心里还是特别难受。（每回考试按上一回成绩排名分考场。）后来我告诉我自己，不能让别人的非议击倒，我必须坚强，用实力证明自己。果然今天对完卷子感觉不赖，没有辜负这一个月的辛苦。

陈同学，四川乐山（男，高中）：

高中生活已经逝去了一大半，生活中总会有各种小事故与小惊喜。偶尔会和周围的同学闹脾气，总觉得她们不够关心我。可我忽略了在我需要帮助的时候，她们总是第一时间帮我解决。比如那次，我突然头特别疼，向老师请假去医院买药。那节课正好是体育课，我本来是可以自己去的，可同学们都特别担心我，她们扶着我，为我忙这忙那的，感觉她们才是急需看医生的人。哈哈，特别感动！

金同学，内蒙古察右前旗（女，高中）：

1月17日是星期一，早上6点半，我和奶奶吵了一架。我早晨6点起床后，就拿起英语书默背起来。当我自认为差不多时，抬头一看表，已是6:25，我便装书包。奶奶说：“你一早晨在装模作样。”我十分苦恼，自己背课文反而被人说成装模作样，我便和奶奶顶起嘴。疾步走向学校的我心中想到：早知道就早点到学校背啦。中午回到家，奶奶把饭做好放在炕上，我吃饭的时候奶奶和我说话了，我也就和她和好了。

刘同学，甘肃柴门（男，小学）：

罗同学，贵州务川（男，高中）：

在寝室的时候，他们给了我一个外号“萝卜”，经常叫我。同时我也会叫他们白菜、小兔子等外号，彼此感情都很好，生活在这种环境中，感觉他们叫我外号会觉得很亲切，而且我也十分高兴。

赫勒同学，四川乐山（女，高中）：

我收到一本《恰到好处的幸福》，读完书后，我从书中读到了一种对人生坦然的态度，以及对生活善待，为生命找到意义，恰到幸福的好处，深深的话我们浅浅地说，长长的路我们慢慢地走。

上一次放五一节回家，父母看到我回去非常高兴，立马问我“饿不饿，想吃什么”等等，感受到他们对自己浓浓的爱。我想我长大了，应该让我给他们做饭，要给他们双倍爱的回报。我就做了很平常的饭菜给他们吃，老爸老妈都说特好吃，其实我手艺不好，我自己都觉得苦，他们吃到的滋味是一种孩子对父母的爱。他们操劳了一辈子，作为孩子，我们要学会尽孝，看到他们脸上幸福的笑容！

学习成绩虽然不是很如意，达不到理想的效果，但一直都没有放弃，我相信功夫不负有心人，只要拼搏着，努力着，白天鹅也会变成雄鹰，学会上进，只有更好，没有最好！！

朱同学，江西上犹（女，初中）：

摘选：马南、房明凤、冯忞、丁双英等义工
录入：马南
英文翻译：洪毅颖

Every spring and fall, hundreds of letters fly into the OCEF office, letters that are filled with the joys and torments at school, the happiness and frustrations of everyday life, the bitter and sweet of young relationships, and the idyll and anguish of rural life. We are privileged to watch the tears and laughter of these young people unfold before us. We are rewarded so much more for every penny of donation by receiving this genuine outflow of emotions. And we know that this positivity is budding in their heart, waiting for its time to bloom.

Song, Chayouqianqi, Inner Mongolia:

I love reading. Once, I was so engrossed by a book that I forgot to cook lunch until my dad came home at 2 p.m. He was so angry with me and my books, but I would never give up reading. Of course, I no longer forget to cook lunch either.

Aloo, Leshan, Sichuan:

I’m in high school now. It’s so different from junior high. I’m so lost. At first it was like riding an airplane for the first time, and I had no idea what the teacher was saying, especially in the English class. It’s a bit less confusing now, though I’m still struggling. Hope it’ll get better. And I wish my parents could get along better. (Editor’s note: Her parents are not in a good relationship, which makes her more upset than happy when she gets to go home.) High school life is just tough. Sleep is never enough. We’re like endangered animals with all the attention in the world. I hope through my hard work I’d be able to create a brighter future for myself.

Chen, Jining, Inner Mongolia:

One day at lunch time, my dormmate told us that she didn’t feel like eating. Later we learnt from her deskmate that she forgot her meal card. We felt sorry so we bought a pancake for her. She was exhilarated when she saw the pancake: “You really didn’t have to do this. Thank you so much! It’s so nice knowing you girls!” I just responded with a smile.

Zhang, Chayouhouqi, Inner Mongolia:

My brother quit school last week. I’m like the only hope in the family now, so I’ve got to live up to their expectation. I have no time to relax at all, but who am I to complain? My parents work so hard with no complaint. Come on! I can do it.

Awoo, Leshan, Sichuan:

I was never the active type and I consider myself physically weak. So when we were to have a 800-meter test for the girls, I thought I was doomed. My teacher was so kind to encourage me just to finish the run. To my own surprise, I outran all my classmates! Maybe it’s just luck, maybe it’s my focus, or maybe it’s a moment of releasing all my pressure from academic work, but I landed the first place with a record of 3’30” before I realized it. It was a dawning moment to myself that I did it through my perseverance. I’m hoping for the same miracle during my college entrance exam.

Li, Chayouqianqi, Inner Mongolia:

I love basketball. When I learnt that the school has a basketball team, I was beyond excited. I joined the team. It gave me a platform of self-liberation and self-expression. Training was tough but I enjoyed every moment. However, it did cost me two hours of school sessions a day. Entering the last years of high school, the college entrance exam is not to be taken lightly. My teacher talked to me a few times. I gave it a long thought and decided to give up basketball for my academic future.

I was quite unfortunate to have contracted flu and tonsillitis during our last annual school games event. My dormmates were so lovely to record the games for me, help me get water and food, and even tuck me in in the middle of the night. I feel so lucky to have met them. My life is beautiful because of them.

Jike, Leshan, Sichuan:

At an English class, Miss Yang was going over this fill-in-the-blank question with us: That is the only way that we can imagine ___ the overuse of water in students’ bathrooms. The correct answer is “to reduce.” But I clearly remembered that the verb “imagine” should be followed by a gerund, so I answered: “reducing.” Miss Yang explained to us why it should be “to reduce” before she asked me again. I said, “reducing.” She asked me to try again, and once again I said “reducing.” She then raised her voice to ask me to give it another thought, and I reciprocated by raising my voice with a roaring “reducing.” Since then, my classmates kept teasing me that I’d been possessed with “reducing.” And that is the story of how I managed to remember the correct answer to this question.

Yang, Chayouhouqi, Inner Mongolia:

Walking on my way to school on a cold winter day, snow pelting on my face, I saw a father and his daughter walking by. The father was carrying the daughter’s backpack and gave the only hat to the daughter. The pair trod on, smiling in the cold air. It reminded me of my own father.

Li, Chayouqianqi, Inner Mongolia:

My teacher is very nice and caring. Once I lost the money to pay for the whole week’s meals. When my teacher learnt about the incident, she handed me 50 yuan and said: “Just let me know if you need any help. I might not be able to help much, but I’ll do my best.” I was extremely touched. All I can do is to work harder to repay her kindness.

Luo, Leshan, Sichuan:

Scorching Sunday afternoon. Eyes heavy. Always wake up in class from the pinching pain in my hand, thanks to my buddies. Come on! Attention! Battle on.

Zhang, Chayouhouqi, Inner Mongolia:

Mom promised to buy me new clothes. I was so happy. We took a ride to town the next day and I was filled with excitement the whole way. We went straight to the department store. I saw a pair of shoes. But after learning the price, I hesitated. Even today, we still live in a rental unit. I said to my mom: “Let’s check out some other places.” It wasn’t hard to tell how much I wanted those shoes. Mom insisted on buying them. I still remember the price, 120 yuan. Mom also wanted to buy a jacket, but she gave up after asking the price. I asked her why, and she said: ‘You are going to school. You need to dress nicely. Mom and dad can wear anything.” I was brimming with tears. Ever since then, I have not asked for any new clothes.”

Cao, Leshan, Sichuan:

One day after school, my friend and I were on our way home. “Did you know,” he said suddenly, ‘that some of your classmates stayed behind after school to finish up their homework?” “Seriously? For real?” I was taken aback. “Yeah, so I heard from some of them. So, that’s what I’m gonna do tonight, stay back and finish my homework in school.” “What? But you live so far away! It’s gonna be so late when you get home!” I cried out, “I can’t let you do that alone. I’m gonna stay behind as well.”

Awoo, Leshan, Sichuan:

A very important friend of mine lied to me. I didn’t talk to him for a week. We were in a cold war until I decided to talk to him again and told him I forgave him. I guess lies are more or less a part of growing up; some are harmless white lies and some simply could not be helped. Sometimes we say things we don’t mean. When it happens, we take it as it is.”

Shi, Jining, Inner Mongolia:

My last month-end exam result was less than ideal. I felt really upset for some time and was bracing myself for the judging looks from others, until I overheard the comments when I walked out of the subsequent exam: ‘Look! Isn’t that Shi? She’s in this exam room?!’ (The exam rooms are arranged according to the results of the previous exam.) It hurts. I told myself later that I should not be influenced by how others see me but had to be strong and prove myself. And my efforts did pay off. I think I did well in today’s exam.

Chen, Leshan, Sichuan:

Half of my high school life has slipped away. It was dotted with unexpected moments. At times, I sulked over my friends for not caring about me enough. But I had forgotten that they had always been there for me whenever I needed help. Like the time when I was suddenly struck by a headache and was going to get some medicine from the clinic. It was during a PE class. I could have gone by myself, but my friends were so worried for me that they took charge and rushed around as if they had been the ones who were in dire need of doctors. I was so touched!

It was 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan 17. I had a fight with my grandma. I woke up at 6 to practice English, and by 6:25 I was getting ready to go to school. Grandma said to me: “Quit pretending to study hard.” I was so offended and argued with her. On my way to school, I thought to myself angrily: “Should have gone to school to do it.” When I returned home at noon, lunch was ready and grandma started talking to me like nothing happened. So we were good again.

Luo, Wuchuan, Guizhou:

My nickname in the dorm is “Turnip.” They all call me “Turnip,” and I call them “cabbage,” “rabbit,” and so on. We love each other. Being called by a nickname just makes me feel happy and loved.

Ayu, Leshan, Sichuan:

I, for the first time, was riding a horse. Pacing with my uncle, the horse’s lead rope in his hand, I requested: “How about I try it?” Uncle chuckled, handing me the rein. Trying to copy what I saw, I squeezed my legs with a loud “Ya!” And holy smoke—the horse was galloping! In a panic, I scrambled to pull the rein and desperately held onto the stirrups with all the “Yu” (the equivalent of “Whoa”) I could yell, to no avail. The horse galloped on with an occasional taunting neigh.

Archa, Leshan, Sichuan:

At the beginning of the 11th grade, I had a crush on a guy. After a long struggle, I finally let it go. We are kind of good friends now. I know what I need to stay focused on right now. It’s a good thing that we’re on “friendly” terms now.

The 11th grade is a turning point, though life goes on as usual, busy but fulfilling. Ever since I moved to the back row in the 2nd semester, I started feeling less motivated and became disengaged. Sometimes I felt lost. The last high school year is around the corner and I’m still not decided on which university to choose… I’ve got to brace myself up and work hard for a good university!!

Sharma, Leshan, Sichuan:

I’ve received the donated book, The Jade King: History of a Chinese Muslim. It made me realize that you’ll have to face life, whether it is beautiful or cruel. When you are ready to let go, a new hope will arrive. Next semester I wish to receive similar books or philosophy books.

During an IT class, the teacher showed us how to use Baidu. I stumbled upon a real funny clip there and couldn’t help but burst into laughter. The whole class was watching me. I just felt that the science and technology is so advanced nowadays that we can literally find anything online. It opens a window to the outside world for us.

I’m not the best student but I’ll work hard and stay positive. I might not be as good as others, but I can be happy and positive.

Laha, Leshan, Sichuan:

I received the book, Happiness Just Right, from which I saw a new kind of life attitude, a kind that is calm and positive. Living with purpose will fill your life with happiness, not too much, not too little. Life is a long road, just take one step at a time.

Last Labor Day, I travelled back home. My parents were so delighted to see me. First thing they asked was: “Are you hungry? What do you want to have?” Their love was overflowing from their words. I had a different idea. It’s time I did something for them. So I made some simple home dishes. They told me they loved it. Well, I knew I was a terrible cook. Even I myself found it hard to swallow. But my love made the dishes taste so nice to them. They have had a rough life and worked so hard for the family. I would do anything to put a smile on their faces.

School work isn’t going as well as I wished, but I’m not giving up. I believe in effort and grit. I can fly higher with the right attitude and perseverance. There is no “best,” only “better”!

Yang, Chayouhouqi, Inner Mongolia:

I miss my mom. I haven’t seen her for so long. I would call her every day. The other day we were talking about WeChat Store and she taught me how to set one up. I am running a WeChat store now and I will use what I earn to buy my mom a pretty skirt.

Zhao, Chayouqianqi, Inner Mongolia:

The other day, when I returned from school, my dog immediately ran to me, happily wagging her tail. I was very happy to see her but I was a bit late, so I just rushed for dinner and went to bed without playing with her. When I left home for school on Monday, she was sad to see me leave again.

Editors: MA Nan, FANG Mingfeng, FENG Min, DING Shuangying, et. al.
Amanuensis: MA Nan
Translation: HONG Yiying

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