As the festive season approaches, the spirit of giving becomes a focal point in our community. But at YCIS Beijing, this spirit isn't confined to December; it's a core value lived by our students all year round. We pride ourselves on nurturing global citizens who understand that their responsibility extends beyond the classroom, actively giving back to support our community both far and wide.

This commitment to social responsibility shines through the incredible student-led initiatives that form the heart of our school.

Driven by compassion, our students are the architects of change. They founded and run remarkable charities like We Echo, which is dedicated to supporting individuals with hearing impairments, and Helping Hearts, a versatile organisation that tackles global issues from disaster relief to local educational support. This Christmas, Helping Hearts has teamed up with the local charity Helping Hands to bring joy and support to children suffering from Leukaemia.

The ethos of giving is also woven into the fabric of our CAS programme. Recently, a group of CAS students organised a donation drive for a local animal shelter, collecting essential items like blankets, food, and toys to ensure the animals stay warm and fed during Beijing's harsh winter. They personally delivered the donations and spent a day at the shelter, offering the animals much-needed affection and care.

Our student leaders are also championing the cause. They have teamed up with our parent organisation to promote this year's Christmas Wish Tree Project, collecting donations of winter jackets to send to a school in Tibet in desperate need of warm clothing.

Furthermore, our ongoing support for Bread of Life, a local charity aiding orphaned and disabled children, continues to flourish. Our students have thrown their energy into various projects, from organising teacher orders to hosting a festive Christmas bake sale, all to provide practical life skills and financial support for these children.

From supporting health and education to showing kindness to animals and those in need, our students exemplify what it means to be compassionate global citizens. This Christmas, their actions remind us that the greatest gifts we can give are our time, our effort, and our commitment to building a better, more caring world for all.