Help sponsor a foster family in China

In China the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak means there has been no school for over a month. Thankfully, for these children, they are part of OneSky’s Loving Families Program, where parents and teachers are working together to keep them active and entertained during this unprecedented time. Thank you for supporting our Loving Families Program – now more important than ever …

For Loving Mom Xiaojuan, keeping her children happy and busy during isolation has been a challenge. To this end she’s been sharing ideas for online lessons with her foster children’s preschool teacher.

While their special needs may mean adoption is unlikely, the program ensures children like those in her care have permanent loving foster homes.

“As their loving mom, I felt so proud to be part of the course design,” said Xiaojuan. “I have been discussing online with the teachers about the children’s current development. We talked about what kind of interaction with the children would be suitable and it was useful to receive their help on how to play it on our TV.”

Repeated messages on heightened hygiene levels have also meant teachers have been able to focus on wider life lessons. Brushing their teeth has also been an online subject.

“Protecting their teeth is essential for the children,” said Family Mentor Li. “I wanted to teach them in the form of storytelling. So, I drew a picture book myself. Using drawing books and fun language to interact with children can be effective in video teaching.”

The lessons have also meant that under-pressure parents like Xiaojuan have been able to grab a little extra time to get on with the many tasks required to care for the children.

“This online learning has freed us a bit especially when we were busy cooking and doing chores at home. I’m so grateful to the teachers,” she said.

With school return dates as yet uncertain, teachers continue to meet remotely and discuss online teaching methods and content.

“We design our online courses based on the feedback of the loving moms and their children’s current needs,” said Li. “I am glad that the method has continued to serve as the main links between homes and schools, teachers and students and the children and their friends.”

Thank you again for your continued support! To read more stories about the children we serve, click here.