Mountain View Students Sow Seeds of Hope in China

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How do students from a Mountain View school sow Seeds of Hope in China? Why, playing the violin, of course! 

Four 4th grade students from Yew Chung International School—Silicon Valley just returned from Hong Kong where they played violin in the Yew Chung's 80th Anniversary "Seeds of Hope" Gala Concert, held on March 26th to raise funds for schools in rural China.

YCIS-Silicon Valley students participated in the annual concert for the first time this year. The four violin students were selected by ability to join an International Orchestra of the top music students from YCIS schools in Hong Kong and China. The Silicon Valley students were among the youngest participants.

"I am so proud of our 4th graders," said Allison Zenner, YCIS-Silicon Valley music teacher, who accompanied her students to Hong Kong. "They did really well playing with mostly middle school and high school students." 

For the students themselves, the trip was an adventure of a lifetime. They made new friends, honed their musical skills through special workshops and experienced Hong Kong cultural life. They also shared their experience with their 4th grade classmates back here in Silicon Valley through daily email updates and even a SKYPE video conference. Although playing in the concert was undoubtedly the highlight.

"It was four hours long!” exclaimed Myron.

Sometimes it's the little things that impress the most: "You should see the toilets—they’re in the floor!” shared Nicole.

While the Silicon Valley contingent may have been the smallest and youngest, they brought the love and support of their school community with them and were proud to use their musical talents to help bring hope and education to rural children in China.  

The Yew Chung charity, Seeds of Hope, was born in response to the 2008 earthquake disaster in Szechuan province, China. Seeds of Hope partners with organizations in China to help build and develop “sister schools” and bring the hope of a good education to rural children in China.  Since 2008, Seeds of Hope has built three schools and a fourth will be built in Guangdong for ethnic minority children with funds raised this year. http://www.ycef.com/enrichmentprogramme/specialcharity.stm

Yew Chung International School – Silicon Valley opened in Mountain View in 2002 for students from preschool through Grade 5. Through a bilingual and multicultural environment, YCIS provides a global education to prepare students with the skills and intercultural understanding they need for the 21st century. www.ycis-sv.com