At MIS, education extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms, and public welfare education has always been an essential part of campus culture. It is about shaping compassionate individuals who understand the value of human connection. The MIS Outreach has always epitomized this philosophy—from environmental initiatives to community service. Under their teachers' guidance, the children gradually grow into kind and grounded global citizens.
Recently, MIS Outreach teacher and students embarked on two heartwarming journeys—visiting a Senior Care Center and a Children's Welfare Center.
Our first stop is a Senior Care Center in Shenzhen.
Under the guidance of Mr. Tippie, our MIS students prepared several performances including singing and piano performance as well as Chinese Cross Talk Show, etc. One of the elderly residents even performed a piano duet with one of our students.
Our children's visit brought genuine joy to the elderly residents, but in return, they received something even more profound moments of wisdom, shared joy, and a deeper appreciation for the lives that came before them.
Reflections from the Visit
We visited a senior care facility in Shenzhen, where our students entertained and interacted with the residents. Two moments stood out to me: first, the piano duet between Riley and one of the residents; you could hear the joy in the song as they played together. The second was when Bella and Kylie interviewed a gentleman who recalled a moment when he was able to help his young daughter at school. Whether Chinese or foreign, the moments people treasure are all the same.
I went to the senior home and sang a song for the residents. Their smiles and applause made the experience truly heartwarming, especially when I saw them smiling at me. At the end of it all, a lady came up to me and said, “You're so awesome I had to hold back my tears!”it meant so much to me.
I really enjoyed this trip to the senior home. My friends and I prepared a performance for the elderly, and I was happy to bring them joy. Some of them also shared their experiences with us, which was really interesting. I’m looking forward to another visit in the future!
I enjoyed the trip to the senior home. The performance my friend and I prepared for the elderly was a bit embarrassing because no one laughed, but I really loved the part where we handed out flowers and celebrated birthdays with them. That made me feel truly happy.
Visiting the senior home left me deeply moved—the elderly long for genuine connection and tenderness. Life’s twilight heartbreakingly mirrors its dawn; they return to a childlike vulnerability, yearning for the same gentle love and patience they once poured into raising their own children.
The residents were friendly and encouraging. They responded to our presentations instead of just listening, which really helped a lot. I was surprised to see people with an average age of 85 in such good health, both physically and mentally. I’m looking forward to visiting again.
At the last minute, I was chosen to host the show. I was nervous, but then, as I started interacting with the elderly, I began to relax. I shared my travel experiences with them, and they encouraged us while sharing their own stories. In the end, it was a really fun and memorable experience!
Bella and Kylie are interviewing
This visit was more than just a school trip—it was a meaningful exchange between generations. Through music, conversation, and shared experiences, our students witnessed firsthand the importance of kindness, patience, and respect for the elderly.
Promise Land
Children Welfare Center
The second stop of our outreach journey is "Promise Land" Children Welfare Center in Longhua District, Shenzhen. At this welfare home, most children have Down syndrome. The staff patiently teach them life skills—from cooking to tidying up—so they can help their families with household chores when they return home on weekends.
A Story of "Boundless Love": The Founder of Promise Land
The Founder of Promise Land is a silver-haired American woman, Corrinne Reynolds (Chinese name: 罗恩惠). Her story is nothing short of extraordinary.
Back in 2002, she left California for Shenzhen, China, where she adopted an abandoned baby with special needs and raised the child for over 20 years. Devoting everything she had, she founded Promise Land, a special education center, and has dedicated decades to philanthropy. Though she once spoke no Chinese, she now fluently communicates with the children in Chinese. Her selflessness has touched countless hearts.
When asked why she chose this path, she said: "Helping these special children brings me immense happiness—I’ve found my inner peace."
Before the visit, MIS students carefully prepared gifts and handed them to the children personally. They were overjoyed—especially those who received Transformers toys and bubble machines—their faces lit up with pure, radiant smiles.
During a three-legged race, one boy clutched his partner’s hand tightly, afraid of falling, yet laughed the loudest. When it was time to leave, the children repeatedly said "Thank you" in their soft, unclear voices, bringing tears to everyone’s eyes.
Kylie, a Year 10 student at MIS, shared: "This was my first time visiting a children’s welfare home. The trip made me realize how fortunate we are—we often take our blessings for granted. We should cherish and be grateful for everything our parents provide. I also hope the children here can have brighter futures."
At MIS, we believe that true education nurtures both the mind and the heart. By fostering empathy and understanding, we prepare our students not only for academic success but also to become individuals who cherish and honor the wisdom of those who came before them.
