Live updates from Zhongxiang City, Hubei, China - Join CapitaLand on our 26th International Volunteer Expedition
Read the latest about the hard and heart work from our volunteers. Follow the team at Zhongxiang City from 19-23 Oct 2018 as they make a difference at CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School!
CapitaLand's International Volunteer Expedition (IVE) is part of the group's biannual volunteer initiative where staff from various countries will come together to make a difference to the lives of underprivileged children through projects supported by CapitaLand’s philanthropic arm, CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF).
Forty-four volunteers from Singapore, China, Vietnam and Philippines are hard at work improving the learning environment for the 282 students of CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School.
Follow our live blog for the freshest updates from the expedition and find out what our volunteers are up to!
Reporting Live from CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School!
23 Oct 2018 12:06 GMT+0800
Experience the magic again!
If you're in Hubei, be sure to check out the exhibition on CapitaLand's International Volunteer Expedition happening at CapitaMall Westgate. Learn more about CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philanthropic arm of CapitaLand, our network of CapitaLand Hope Schools across China and the many expeditions we've conducted over the years. It is sure to put a smile on your face!
22 Oct 2018 12:06 GMT+0800
Day 3 - Hearts full
With hearts full, our volunteers take a final photo with the students and teachers of CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School.
This is probably the biggest heart in Zhongxiang City right now.
22 Oct 2018 12:06 GMT+0800
Day 3 - Building People. Building Communities
A handwritten token of appreciation from the principal (in the all black suit) to CapitaLand and CapitaLand Hope Foundation.
22 Oct 2018 12:05 GMT+0800
Day 3 - Brush away!
Such a colourful space! The art room is ready to nurture the future artists of CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School! Our volunteers have certainly left their mark - in more ways than one.
22 Oct 2018 00:00 GMT+0800
Day 3 - Reading is in session
Having worked on refurbishing and improving the library and reading room for the past three days, we're glad to share that the library is now open for 'business'! With an increasing national emphasis on reading, we are getting our students more passionate in reading, improving their language and encouraging a more imaginative and creative mind - all part of a holistic education experience!
22 Oct 2018 23:29 GMT+0800
Day 3 - From the big architects to the little architects
Two of our volunteers share their thoughts after working with our talented students during the 'CapitaLand Little Architect Programme'.
"I was concerned that the primary school children would have difficulties understanding the 'CapitaLand Little Architect Programme', but with their willingness and eagerness to learn, they soon understood the elements of architecture and I was very touched by it. I definitely felt a sense of achievement!"
- Volunteer Zhang Yong Kang - CapitaLand Retail Leasing Department, Wuhan
"I was encouraged by the 'CapitaLand Little Architect Programme'. The students showed great teamwork and organised themselves into groups without us prompting them to do so. Their creativity and different ways of thinking resulted in many ideas including one which transformed a house into a submarine! I am thankful for the opportunity to use my professional skills to educate and interest the children in design and architecture."
- Volunteer Tao Xuan Rong, Design Management, Shanghai
22 Oct 2018 15:49 GMT+0800
Day 3 - CapitaLand Little Architect Programme
As one of Asia's largest real estate companies, we are certainly not leaving these students without sharing our passion and expertise! Specially designed and planned for our students, the 'CapitaLand Little Architect Programme' teaches our young students about the basics of building and architecture.
The students then got the chance to test their new found knowledge. Combining what they've learnt with their own imagination, they were able to build their own creations using toys and building blocks.
22 Oct 2018 15:50 GMT+0800
Day 3 - We've been framed!
Digital photos may be great, but there is no better way to preserve a memory than with an actual photo. Our students are designing their own photo frames.
22 Oct 2018 14:11 GMT+0800
Day 3 - Have you had your lunch?
It's time for recess. Having a meal with your friends at the school tuckshop is always fun. Today, lunch at CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School is extra fun because the volunteers handed out the meals to the students and to offer a more complete meal, fruits and milk were provided too!
After their meal, the students are also expected to wash and return their own trays! Good habits start young!
22 Oct 2018 09:37 GMT+0800
Day 3 - Getting active with fun and games
Nothing like starting the week with some fun and games.
For the students of CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School, they had a ball of a time and got active with our volunteers playing games, navigating through obstacle courses, playing tug of war and working as a team to score a win!
(Top) "Bunny hopping to the finish line! Let's go!"
(Left) "1,2,3 - PULLLL!!"
22 Oct 2018 10:42 GMT+0800
Day 3 - Future tai chi masters
#DidYouKnow CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School also specialises in Tai chi quan. The students are taught this form of traditional martial art and they even have their own unique uniforms. Tai chi as a form of exercise is said to reduce stress and anxiety, build strength, balance and flexibility - we could all do with a bit of tai chi in our lives.
22 Oct 2018 09:37 GMT+0800
Day 3 - My new schoolbag
Continuing with the tradition, during the International Volunteer Expedition, we gave out new school bags to the first year students. With a new schoolbag and new school supplies, students can get a headstart in school, focusing on their education. The simple act also relieves the stress of their families' need to purchase these items for their kids.
22 Oct 2018 09:36 GMT+0800
Day 3 - A new day
After two days of continuous drizzle and rain, the sun is finally out today. What a way to start the week!
21 Oct 2018 22:16 GMT+0800
Day 2 - What is happening? - Answers tomorrow!
Our volunteers are busy preparing for tomorrow, but what exactly are they doing? Stay tuned to the blog!
21 Oct 2018 22:16 GMT+0800
Day 2 - Let's hear from our volunteers
Our volunteers gathered to share their thoughts about the expedition thus far. Let's hear from them.
"It is a great opportunity for colleagues from different business units across different countries to work together seamlessly, each using their own areas of expertise to achieve a single goal!"
- Crystal Xu, Marketing Communications, Raffles City Shanghai
"I am happy to attend this International Volunteer Expedition as I have the opportunity to know and work with colleagues from other countries. It feels like one big family."
- Ivy Ang, General Manager, Bugis Junction & Bugis+
21 Oct 2018 16:16 GMT+0800
Day 2 - To understand what it is all for
Interacting and engaging with the students of CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School and their parents during these home visits can be truly an eye-opening affair. They broaden the horizons of our volunteers, but also allow them to find new depths of empathy - uncovering the true spirit and meaning of volunteerism.
21 Oct 2018 16:16 GMT+0800
Day 2 - Life in Zhongxiang
Like most city dwellers, most of us are not familiar with life in the countryside. One of the key highlights during the expedition gave our volunteers an understanding of the community around them and the impact they are creating. Visiting the homes of the students, they were able to meet their parents and experience life in Zhongxiang.
Life in Zhongxiang is simple with little need of life's luxuries - but the greatest luxury, happiness, is something you don't need money to buy.
21 Oct 2018 16:16 GMT+0800
Day 2 - What makes a library?
Books are definitely necessary but books alone don't make a library. Our volunteers are channelling their best carpentry skills to put together tables and chairs for the students.
21 Oct 2018 10:58 GMT+0800
Day 2 - Calligraphy room
CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School has a strong focus on calligraphy and the students have their own calligraphy room. When it comes to penmanship, it is always important to start young! Even the principal of the school is an expert of this traditional chinese art. Check it out below!
21 Oct 2018 10:32 GMT+0800
Day 2 - People matters
CapitaLand's Group Chief People Officer and Executive Director of CapitaLand Hope Foundation, Mr Tan Seng Chai makes his visit to CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School and also leaves some words of encouragement for the students!
CapitaLand is a strong advocate of volunteerism and our senior management team takes the time and effort to make sure our staff are well taken care of, and are doing their best.
21 Oct 2018 10:17 GMT+0800
Day 2 - Love notes
Remember back in school, we were always passing each other notes and secret messages? Well, our volunteers took the time to pen down some not so secret messages to the students of CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School. Writing down words of encouragement to remind them to study hard and create better opportunities for themselves in the future!
21 Oct 2018 10:16 GMT+0800
Day 2 - Two is better than one
Welcome back! It's day 2 of our International Volunteer Expedition and our volunteers are reporting for duty! Volunteer work isn't a walk in the park, but with real heart and passion, it keeps our volunteers going.
In fact, do you know that this is CapitaLand Hope Foundation's 26th International Volunteer Expedition? Over the years, we've built a network of 28 Hope Schools in China and Vietnam and on top of financial assistance and donation of furniture and school supplies, our staff volunteers have made visits and expeditions to these schools to continually improve the schools' conditions.
20 Oct 2018 21:54 GMT+0800
Day 1 - Let's tuck in
And we're done for Day 1. It's time for our volunteers to relax and have a good dinner to reward themselves. It's time to tuck in, break bread and replenish their energy. Good job volunteers!
20 Oct 2018 21:53 GMT+0800
Day 1 - It doesn't take an artist
Our staff volunteers are not choosen based on their artistic or drawing skills. When it comes to volunteering, it doesn't take an artist, all it takes is heart.
One of the key areas of work that our volunteers are involved in is the painting of murals. These colourful walls help to brighten the school to create a more positive learning environment. If you're wondering what the finished product will look like - be sure to continue following our live blog over the next few days!
20 Oct 2018 15:52 GMT+0800
Day 1 - Young hearts
This is why we do what we do. It's all for the students of CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School. Our volunteers with the students - our hearts are one!
20 Oct 2018 15:28 GMT+0800
Day 1 - There is no time to waste!
Over the next three days, our volunteers will be working to improve and refurbish the reading, music and art rooms of CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School.
With only a short time frame to work on so many projects, our volunteers start cracking and fixing the shelves for the reading room. Let's go!
20 Oct 2018 15:27 GMT+0800
Day 1 - A bird's eye view of CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School
We're definitely not in the city anymore! Around the school, you can see small farms and simple buildings. CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School is one of the largest developments in the area with three blocks and even a running track.
The top right photo says '快乐学习' which translates as 'Happy Learning' - What a great reminder to the students of the school!
20 Oct 2018 15:26 GMT+0800
Day 1 - We're finally here :)
Knock knock! It has been a long journey but we're finally at the gates of CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School. Our volunteers were greeted by the principal and teachers of the school and were given an introduction of the school and to the many different classrooms that they will be refurbishing and improving.
20 Oct 2018 17:30 GMT+0800
Day 1 - And we're off!
Destination? - CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School. The school is a three hour bus ride from the city of Wuhan and our volunteers will be leaving the comforts of the city, to the suburban district of Chaihu town.
Built in 1966, CapitaLand Zhongxiang Hope School is a primary school catering to the schooling needs of children from four surrounding villages. CHF donated to build a three-story comprehensive teaching building completed in April 2015.
19 Oct 2018 17:29 GMT+0800
Day 1 - Reporting for duty!
Good morning everyone. Our group of 44 staff volunteers are here and reporting for duty!
They gathered at Somerset Wusheng Wuhan and were briefed on their duties over the next three days and some of the do's and don'ts during their expedition.