We volunteered with Three Primary Colors--an arts and crafts workshop for individuals with mental and learning disabilities. Just like our project in China,3 Primary Colors focuses on connecting with different types of people with different background through the universial language of art.
The workshop is one branch of Beijing Hui Ling - a non-profit dedicated to helping both children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Because non-profits are still new and few in China, we were particularly excited at the opprtunity to lend our time and help to this one.
In the morning, we participated in their daily arts and crafts, making cards, paintings and bracelets.
After sharing a delicious lunch of egg rolls and dumplings, the trainees showed us some of their skills, including sports, playing musical instruments, and using Chinese yo-yos. We got to try the yo-yos as well!
Next, the trainees set up a performance for us. They sang and danced, played musical instruments, recited poetry, and performed skits.
Some of the performances required audience participation.
Although some of us were shy at first, we soon found ourselves having a great time dancing, giggling and jumping around with the trainnees. We played London Bridges, and even did a little Macarena!
Three Primary Colors and Beijing Hui Ling focuses on teaching their trainees life skills and the ability to earn their own income. They sell the cards and bracelets that are made during the arts and crafts workshops at fundraisers; the wonderful home-cooked meal was prepared by trainees; and trainees also receive compensation for their performances and demostrations.
Although we went to Hui Ling with the intent to help the trainees, in the end we were the ones who learned more. We had a great time, and several of us hope to come back and do longer term internships in the future.
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