By Zach Johnson | Director of Development
Bethel Project Quarterly Highlights: July – September 2026
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the seasons change, we look back at the past few months with immense gratitude. This quarter has been a powerful testament to what happens when cutting-edge technology, artistic expression, and expert collaboration come together to break down barriers for our children.
Our summer began in July with a deeply validating methodology exchange with the Beijing School for the Blind, followed by an incredible August where our kids confidently took the stage before 200+ people at the 798 Art Zone. That same month, we teamed up with ByteDance’s Green Bubble Studio, where corporate volunteers helped our young learners turn complex digital tools like interactive AI and photography into joyful, sensory experiences.
Building on this incredible momentum, we are thrilled to share the major stories that shaped our quarter, beginning with a legendary milestone for our leadership:
Celebrating 24 Years of Leadership: Teacher & Principal Fang
This year marks an incredible 24 years of dedication for our beloved Teacher and Principal Fang at Bethel’s School! For nearly a quarter of a century, Principal Fang has been the constant heartbeat, vision, and inspiration of our institution. She has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible for visually impaired education, encouraging everyone around her to dream bigger and shaping Bethel into the deeply loving, specialized community it is today. Her emotional and educational impact reaches far beyond her administrative title; it lives on in the confidence of the students she has championed, the future possibilities she has unlocked, and the countless families she has supported along the way. We pour our deepest gratitude out to Principal Fang for 24 remarkable years of leadership, compassionate care, and for being an all-around foundational light in this world!
Breaking Barriers in Accessible Music Technology
This September, our Beijing center transformed into a hub of digital innovation as Teacher Zhao Chen launched a groundbreaking series of live-streamed workshops. Every Friday throughout the month, Teacher Zhao—an expert in special education, musical composition, and audio production—led live sessions that bridged the technical and creative sides of accessible music. He provided immense educational value to a wide community of students, parents, and educators by teaching the practical configuration of NVDA screen readers, score navigation using MuseScore, and the fundamental mechanics of music composition. Witnessing our center become a beacon for community-wide learning was deeply moving, proving how specialized assistive technology can open beautiful new doors for artistic independence.
Creative Classrooms with Local Student Volunteers
Throughout August, youth leadership took center stage as students from Beijing Middle School and the Experimental High School Attached to Beijing University dedicated their summer breaks to our cause. This was more than just a volunteer visit; it was an educational masterclass in peer-to-peer solidarity. The visiting students researched, designed, and hand-crafted original tactile storybooks and custom-made educational aids tailored to the physical touch requirements of our learners. Witnessing these teenager-led teams pour their hearts into creating tangible tools brought a massive wave of fresh energy, deep emotional connections, and vibrant new learning resources straight into our classrooms.
A Heartwarming Reunion: Welcoming Emilie Home
Some places have a powerful way of always feeling like home, and August brought an incredibly emotional highlight as we welcomed our dear friend Emilie back to Bethel. As the daughter of our founders, Emilie grew up in China, and Bethel was a massive, foundational part of her childhood. Returning to a space packed with so many of her own early memories made this reunion profoundly special for both our staff and children. Stepping right back into our mission, it didn't take long at all for Susan to put her straight to work—proving that while time passes, some beautiful dynamics never change! Emilie's return brought a wave of nostalgic joy and beautifully reinforced the lifelong, family-like bonds that form the emotional cornerstone of the Bethel community.
Drive Our Mission Forward: We Need a New Van!
As our programs expand and our children grow more independent, their world grows larger too. From daily school commutes and essential medical appointments to transformative community outings, safe and reliable transit is vital to everything we do. It is the literal vehicle for their inclusion in society.
We are currently raising funds for a new institutional van. Our current transportation resources are stretched to the limit, and securing a new vehicle is critical to keeping our children moving safely toward a brighter, more accessible future.
If you, your family, or your organization can help sponsor or contribute toward a new van, any help is greatly needed. Your support moves our mission forward—in the most literal way possible.
Thank you for being an indispensable part of the Bethel family!
With gratitude,
The Bethel Team
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