Photo-A-Week #10: Smiling Students in Madagascar

I have just returned from my trip to Madagascar to visit the Light and Love Schools in Antananarivo and Tamatave. The schools have recently expanded their capacity to receive a greater number of students. The children have grown physically and spiritually, and developed strong bonds with each other. The smiles that they carry on their faces, the light in their eyes, the warmth of their friendship, and the liveliness when they play are the testimony of the results of the hard work of the Light and Love Home Schools.

Our students came from the poorest neighborhoods. They were often dirty and wore old and worn-out clothes. However, people praised them for their good manners, politeness, and obedience. Additionally by providing free tuition fees and free meals, Light and Love Home Schools have earned the respect and trust from the local communities.

I sincerely thank all the donors who have contributed to the projects in Madagascar. Your support has changed the lives of many children. Their smiles are our greatest rewards.

剛從馬島回來，探望了在京城及塔馬塔夫的光愛學校。看見學校的發展更有規模，更大的校舍，更多的學生；最寶貴是孩子們進步了，不單是身體的發育，而是群體生活、心靈和心智的發展；他們面上的笑容、眼神中的光采，彼此親切的交接，活潑的玩耍，見到陌生人也不怯懦，表達了光愛學校培訓的成果。

我們的學生多是來自最貧困的階層，他們也許會髒一點，衣物破舊一點，但街坊朋友稱讚我們的學生有禮貌、懂規矩。除了免費教育書籍、飯餐，光愛學校實在還有吸引人的素質和內涵，嬴得社區對我們信任。

謝謝所有支持辦學的朋友，你們的捐助改變了很多孩子的生命，他們的笑容是給你們的回報。

- Violin

Photo-A-Week #9: The Boys and Their Pet Monkey

Every time when we travel to new countries, we discover vast differences in culture especially when compared to where we come from. Yes, even for something as simple as  pets. When I look at this photo taken by Violin in her trip to Indonesia earlier this year, I was surprised to discover that monkeys are common pets there. While some of us may be quick to criticize their pet choice (after all, we are most accustomed to having dogs and cats as pets in North America), you have to realize that the idea of going to a pet shop in a shopping mall is almost non-existent in places where people suffer in deep poverty. Perhaps to them, they would consider it outrageous if they learn how much money we typically spend on our pets.

Our differences are seemingly vast, yet our needs are also surprisingly similar. Look at the boys in the picture. Just like children anywhere else, keeping a pet is for their companionship and enjoyment. There is a common satisfaction deep within us when we take care of something, whether they be pets or better yet, our fellow people who are in need.

The lives of people are always most precious. Therefore, Light and Love Home is aiming to expand their charity services in Indonesia, particularly in education. By simply 'like/share' our Photos for Humanity page and its contents, you can help raise awareness and support this meaningful cause together.

- Joe

Photo-A-Week #8: The Boy Who Flattens Bottles

Have you ever wondered how developing countries like Indonesia recycle their bottles? No, they don't have large-scale materials recovery facilities like the ones we have in North America. Neither do they deploy recycling trucks to pick up and transport recyclable wastes around the city. Instead, you see this boy accompanied by an adult sorting bottles others have gathered, then flattening them manually with their feet all day. 

Despite the hard labour, he still tried to smile when having his photograph taken. How different is his life compared the children here in Canada. Please like/share this photo to help raise awareness of the children's needs in Indonesia and other developing countries. By increasing attention to these issues, we hope that more people can join to support them.

- Joe