By Louis Luo | Communications Manager, China
Zhang first learned about OneSky’s Family Village Program in child welfare institutions through a report on television, and her interest was immediately piqued. Then she discovered that her neighbor was a OneSky-trained foster parent and saw that she often brought children home during the holidays. “Seeing children from the welfare institution—some unable to walk, some visually impaired—tugged at my heartstrings,” Zhang shared.
In March 2015, upon learning that the institution was recruiting foster parents, she proposed the idea to her husband. Knowing her deep affection for children, he fully supported her. Even her young son, who had just entered middle school, loved the idea, hoping to have siblings! With her family’s encouragement, Zhang applied without hesitation.
She had worked as a kindergarten teacher since 2013, but had little prior experience in caring for children with special needs. Still, she felt confident that she could bring the same nurturing care and dedication that she gave her own child into this new role. Through OneSky training, Zhang learned core theories like responsive care, building secure attachment, and inclusive education. She realized that genuine care meant consistently responding to the child’s needs even if they were unspoken and offering a steady, calm presence, maybe even reflecting their emotions back to them.
“When I first met the children who became part of my family, I felt their mixed emotions of caution and hope,” Zhang said. “They observed me quietly, hesitant to ask for hugs but holding onto me tightly when I offered them any attention.” Day by day, each smile and response she provided slowly transformed their reluctance into a willingness to share their little secrets. She patiently embraced each child’s uniqueness, encouraging them with, “Let’s try again,” to build their confidence and self-esteem.
Among the ten children Zhang has cared for over the last ten years, Long Long left the most profound impression. “When he first entered our home, he struggled to open up to anyone, including her. Over five years, he grew into a kind and loving big brother — from helping the younger children brush their teeth, to resolving their conflicts with humor and patience,” she happily shared. When he left for adulthood last October, he thanked Zhang and her husband with all his heart, his eyes brimming with tears. Now, he sends them messages, asking about them and his younger siblings. Zhang often thinks of Long Long and what they have shared. “Our journey was never just about me caring for him—it was about planting seeds of family in each other’s lives, seeds that have now grown into strong, sheltering trees,” she said.
By Louis Luo | Communications Manager, China
By Louis Luo | Communications Manager, China
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