Sidewalk English

   

Sidewalk English is an outreach program through Community Center Shanghai that teaches English to Chinese children in the Jinqiao area. To reinforce the English and expose the children to creativity, there is also a volunteer who visits the school weekly and provides art lessons. The program was started about a year ago when a photographer walking in the neighborhood came across the small school and brought it to the attention of the Community Center. This Chinese migrant school calls itself Happy Kindergarten.

The school started with about 30 children a year ago and currently has about 90 children this school year. The children range from 3-7 years old and they are thriving in this program. There are currently about 8 volunteers who go on a weekly basis. "Even though their school is not a formal one and the environment is quite deprived, the children really enjoy their classes and are grateful for the learning opportunity," says Jessica, one of the volunteers. The school lacks a play area so lessons are created that incorporate singing and movement exercises. Learning is made fun for them. The children look forward to our visits.

"I keep coming back because I've never felt so wanted in my life! The children get so excited when we arrive, I feel like a movie star every time I walk up those stairs - like walking on the red carpet. I look around at the little faces and see how much they want to learn--It's very inspirational! I enjoy the entire time I spend there. When I leave, I find I'm already thinking about what they need for next week," says volunteer Kathleen Shannon.

"Teaching at this school is very fulfilling for the volunteers because it is totally a hands-on program. We truly feel like we really are making a difference during our stay in Shanghai," says Marisol Cappello. "I became involved when I met Jorge, the photographer, at one of the CCS Bazaars. I mentioned that I was a teacher and right away he told me about this local Chinese migrant school that was looking for a volunteer to teach English to the children. I visited the school and was hooked with the energy of the children and the love from the teacher, Wang Laoshi."



Every Tuesday or Wednesday at 10:30 A.M., whatever day is best for you.