The Xi'an Special Needs Community Center based in suburban Xi'an is home to over 200 special children and run by one lady affectionately known by the children as "Mama". While she has assistance from a small number of local staff, volunteers are desperately required to assist in the day to day operations. One volunteer, Susan Emerald shares her experience below
"It's a very precious experience in my life to spend my holidays doing something meaningful while making an impact on those who need help. The most important thing I have got from this trip is the love from the children at the center. It's such a touching place and so easy to get so close to them, I know when I leave I will miss them all terribly. On a daily basis my tasks range from simply playing with the children to feeding them, teaching them English and taking care of them. I choose Xi'an, China as my destination because I wanted to learn more about Chinese culture. Xi'an is such a beautiful city, my 2 weeks have been wonderful and during my free time, I have been able to visit a number of interesting place such as the famous Terracotta Army and great shopping in Muslim Street."
