Year 11 YCIS Beijing student Raymond transformed his musical talent into a powerful movement of charity. Despite Beijing's rainy summer, Raymond composed and hosted a unique concert to benefit the children at the Yinfei Autism School. This special event served as a critical bridge, allowing the wider community to connect directly with the autism community and gain a deeper understanding of the individuals and their families.

An Encounter with the Autism Community

A chance encounter introduced Raymond to the founder of the Yingfei Autism School, opening the door to this unique world. During his first visit, he observed the children's significant mood swings subside remarkably whenever they listened to music. Inspired, Raymond began singing for them and was instantly rewarded with pure, genuine smiles. Deeply moved by Raymond's unbiased and non-judgmental interactions, the founder—who rarely saw outside visitors—recognised the greater potential for these children to integrate into society. Raymond gladly accepted the invitation to continue volunteering, spending his summer holidays visiting weekly to chat, play basketball, and sing. This experience immersed him in the autistic community and solidified his belief that they need more opportunities for understanding and acceptance.

The Birth of the International Schools Music Alliance

As Raymond's volunteering deepened, he realised that singing only two or three songs per visit was not enough to satisfy the children's profound connection to music. This insight sparked a much larger idea: to create the International Schools Music Alliance and host a proper concert for the children by gathering widespread support. Throughout the remainder of the summer, Raymond didn't just nurture this idea—he actively transformed this seed of kindness into a robust initiative.

A Journey of Charity: Giving Empowers Growth

Fueled by passion, the 15-year-old embarked on the demanding path of organising a charity concert. His initial plan to invite a few well-connected friends stalled when most were out of Beijing for the summer. Instead of giving up, Raymond pivoted resourcefully. He created a social media account for the International Schools Music Alliance, using the platform to seek wider attention for the autism community and rally others to "join the chorus speaking up for love." His concert initiative thus moved beyond his immediate friends into the greater online community.

As momentum built, Raymond established a WeChat group to coordinate the participating bands and began scheduling, factoring in everyone's availability and song choices. Many band members travelled great distances—from other cities or even countries—to support the cause. Despite constant, unexpected changes in personnel and song selections, Raymond persevered. Through patience and relentless communication, he spent three full days finalising the programme. That single sheet of paper marked not just a concert schedule but his personal milestone, charting his growth from a hesitant youth to a confident, composed leader.

Taking on more than a performer's role, Raymond handled virtually all logistics: hosting, securing the venue, and equipment hire. Lacking external funding, he used his own money, raising capital by selling his personal collections. After the 8000 RMB venue fee, funds were tight, prompting him to use a trading platform to hire instruments and ensure cost efficiency. The high quality of the rented equipment was a welcome surprise, significantly boosting the performance. This young man is a living example of how practical, heartfelt action can effectively build paths to inclusion for those in our community.

"Dedicated to Charity, Whatever It Takes."

On the day of the performance, falling drizzle posed a significant challenge for an outdoor event. But Raymond and his companions demonstrated through their actions the belief that "Our commitment to charity stands, through storm and sun." So, the special concert commenced as scheduled on 8th August.

Despite the steady summer rain, the audience numbered nearly 200, including those who came specifically for the concert, passersby who stopped to watch, and the core participants – the children from Yingfei Autism School. The students did not let the weather affect their will to perform at all. Performing in the rain instead became a unique and memorable experience, both on stage and off. Their clothes were soaking wet, but their spirits remained undampened.

It is worth noting that one of the performing bands, "Starry Band," is comprised of individuals with autism. As Raymond said, "Autistic people just have different ways of expressing themselves; they are equally talented." This performance brought together 10 bands from 14 international schools. Raymond specifically invited his autistic partners to share the stage, conveying a message of equality and inclusion.

The concert was live-streamed online, allowing parents who couldn't attend in person to watch in real-time. The founder of Yingfei Autism School said touchingly, "The inclusiveness shown by the children is truly moving. They don't see autism as something 'special'; that is the greatest respect for this community."

Many parents of autistic children felt encouraged and expressed hope that such events would continue, as they felt a sincere respect for their families from society through this concert.

This charitable performance not only helped more people recognise and understand the autism community but also sparked a widespread willingness to participate. Many students asked Raymond about the possibility of volunteering at the autism school, and some audience members enquired about the school's address after the concert, hoping to contribute themselves.

The oldest student at Yinfei School is now 19 years old and has become a piano tuner thanks to his developed skills nurtured in the school. At the concert, he proactively handed out his business card to audience members and performers, bravely introducing himself. The school focuses on cultivating each child's unique skills based on their individual characteristics. Last year alone, three students successfully transitioned into roles as a barista, a tuner, and a bicycle repairer. We hope more people will join this supportive community and grow together with them.

Parental Support, Passing Love Forward

Raymond's parents remarked at the event that they were heartened to see more people being inspired and wanting to make an impact. The concert's success relied on Raymond's full commitment, but his parents' unwavering support was the solid foundation that gave him the confidence to move forward. In the early stages of preparation, Raymond confessed the difficulties to his mother, but he never retreated; instead actively sought out musical partners through various channels. His mother supported him wholeheartedly from the very beginning, even becoming the first member of the WeChat group after Raymond himself. Love in actions. Raymond's mother is grateful for this experience, saying, "Raymond shows so much love when he volunteers." That flow of love is delivered from one another quietly through action.

Through this charitable endeavour, Raymond not only broadened his horizons and gained new knowledge by interacting with music enthusiasts from other schools but also demonstrated exceptional organisational and leadership skills. We are immensely proud that he successfully brought this concert to life.

Now in Year 11, Raymond already plans to hold another charity concert during the New Year period and hopes to continue this charitable work even after graduation. Let us all wish him well as he continues to shine on his path of love and music.

YCIS Beijing has always placed great importance on character education. We believe all achievement is rooted in sound character, and kindness is the very foundation of education. We encourage and support every child in nurturing a caring heart, actively giving back to society, and becoming warm and impactful agents of change.