藝人林淑敏於處境劇《愛‧回家之開心速遞》飾演「大小姐」一角為人熟悉，潑辣形象深入民心，但其實私底下充滿愛心，近日佢為慈善活動拍攝宣傳影片，片中佢化身魔鬼教練，扶持青年人完成單車比賽，佢更有感而發表示：「如果人生係一場單車比賽，咁每一個人嘅裝備同單車，都可能有少少唔同。喺呢個社會有好多年輕人，佢哋可能喺起跑線上比較遲，佢哋先天嘅裝備可能唔足夠，佢哋好需要我哋嘅支持同幫助，令佢哋嘅才能得以發揮。」佢又分享自身經歷：「我嘅生命都經歷過好大嘅困難，難關之中我明白除咗自己嘅努力，身邊有愛你同關心你嘅人都好重要。」
相片：(播道兒童之家提供)
「大小姐」變魔鬼教練 林淑敏教踩單車有感而發
在《愛．回家之開心速遞》十分惡死的「大小姐」林淑敏，實際充滿愛心。她任播道兒童之家的「助跑之星」，為該組織的「第二人生助跑計劃」拍攝的籌款影片。
影片早前透過Facebook專頁及YouTube頻道首播，並由阮小儀任首映會嘉賓主持，並由助跑嘉賓關心妍獻唱，希望藉籌款影片讓更多人了解「第二人生助跑計劃」的意義。
林淑敏分享稱: 「我的生命也經歷過很大難關，難關之中，領會到除了自己的努力，身邊有愛你和關心你的人也非常重要。」
她鼓勵家舍青年努力堅持，不要放棄，夢想總會實現。林淑敏並指，家舍青少年在人生起跑線上，只是先天裝備可能不足，需要我們關心和幫助，使他們的才能得以發揮。各方支持，有助過渡難關。」
撰文 : 柴犬出動
相片：(播道兒童之家提供)
【開心速遞】「大小姐」林淑敏愛心爆棚 拍片為慈善團體籌款：夢想總會實現
Youth staying in Evangel Children’s Home not only face the predicament of homelessness, they also face challenges of future residence, independent living, further education and employment issues. This leaves them feeling helpless especially under the constant threat of Covid-19. Grateful that there are empathetic and kind-hearted donors who sponsored 2nd Chance in Life-Transitional Youth Sponsorship Program “Start-up Fund”, a continuous subsidy since 2021, and helped they transit gradually to independent living.
“Start-up Fund” – Timely Support under the Pandemic
Businesses in Hong Kong were hard hit in the face of severe pandemic. Residential youth encounter many difficulties when finding part-time jobs. Some being laid off are under tremendous mental and psychological stress. For a living, they have to allocate time on both study and work, which causes a dilemma. In the past two years, we are blessed to have kind donors – Angie & Cathy, who injected sponsorship of “Start-up Fund”. This helps the youth to transit through difficulties and prepare for further studies and career development.
A few sponsored youths are studying in accredited tertiary qualification courses or participating in pre-employment internships offered by the service project of the organization. They need to work part-time after school to cover rental, tuition and other living expenses. They recalled that during the pandemic, various industries fell into recession. They encountered financial difficulties, such as deduction in working hours or being laid off. Fortunately, they received the “Start-up Fund” and solved their immediate needs. Their psychological and mental stress was relieved so they could continue to focus on studying, complete their coursework or internship then gradually transit to self-reliance.
A Difficult Start with a Dilemma
“Due to the pandemic, I was unemployed early2021, resulting in zero income. I was under intense financial stress in face of various expenses, such as rental, transportation and food. In the last semester, the courses I studied are the most difficult. It takes me a lot of time to search in the internet every day. I study hard with my classmates, and depart school only when the campus closes” Amanda (alias) who is studying Chinese Medicine.
“Under the severe pandemic outbreak, labour demand dropped drastically. Many employees suffered either from deduction of working hours or being laid off. Due to the same reason, I was laid off from my last part-time job. The competition of finding a job is very high. There was no news about the jobs I applied. I was confused and under a lot of psychological pressure. At the same time, I have to take care of my studies. I need to spend a lot of time practising in the hospital to avoid making mistakes. If I fail in the exam, my graduation will be delayed for one year. My mental burden is very heavy…”Gwyneth (alias) who takes Nursing Studies.
“I attend school Monday through Friday. I do not have enough time for a regular part-time job. My income is unstable that intensifies my financial pressure. The schoolwork in the new semester is also getting heavier. I really hope to devote more time to my studies without worrying about my living expenses…“Britney (alias) who is studying Nursing.
Gratitude from the Youth Beneficiaries:
Amanda (alias) who is studying Chinese Medicine
“When I couldn’t find a part-time job and urgently needed financial support, this fund gave me a buffer period during the difficult time. It allowed me to study and complete the course with peace of mind. I am greatly thankful to the sponsors who contributed silently. When I am able to give back, I will do my best to contribute to the society.”
Gwyneth (alias) who chose Nursing Studies
“The Start-up Fund allowed me to relieve some financial burdens. It provided support under the unpredictable situation of the pandemic. Hence, I could focus on my studies and achieved satisfactory results. I look forward to obtaining enrolled nurse license subsequent to my internship… After overcoming this hurdle, I deeply realize that I shall serve people with different needs in this helping industry, and practise selfless dedication.”
Wing (alias) who is learning Information Technology
“The Start-up Fund relieved my financial pressure, allowed me to spend more time on further studies and start developing my second life. After becoming financially independent in the future, I hope to help those with financial need.”
Beautiful DIY thank you cards made by the youths
Once again, we thank Angie & Cathy for their timely assistance, encouraging homeless youth to come out of their predicaments and strive to move up. Hope that intergenerational poverty can be lifted and they could live a prosperous second life, and give back to the society.
播道兒童之家一直為6-18歲孤兒、及來自破碎或有困難家庭的兒童和青少年提供院護服務。但到滿18歲成年的院童便需離開。當中有不少青年是無家可歸，甚或有家歸不得，面對高昂租金、被迫獨立生活，彷徨無助。
院長羅美珍早在十多年前已有感這些青年的困境，開始試辦青年過渡期住宿計劃，能在他們最需要別人幫忙之際，伸出援手，扶他們多一把，好讓他們能在成長路上跑得更穩妥。
她說在香港18歲便是法定成年人，但在她眼裏這些成年人仍是「小朋友」。這些因著複雜家庭背景的弱勢青年不僅要面對住屋問題，身處香港這個知識型的經濟社會，其低學歷、低收入、甚至失業失學的青年，實在是需要我們「大人」更多的關注。
「我聽過不少離開院舍的青年人慘況，其中有位女生因沒有家庭支援，只能租住大角咀的板間房，地方狹小骯髒不在話下，兼且品流複雜，實在不宜女生獨居。後來因我們有董事是工程師，發現兒童之家的地積比率尚未用盡，所以有在原址加建的想法，增加過渡宿位給有需要的家舍青年，一來紓緩租金壓力，幫助他們過渡獨立生活；二來因為他們沒有家人在情感上的支援，我們本着父母心，關顧他們的住宿問題外，同時滿足他們情感上的需要。」羅院長說。
所以，早在2009年時，兒童之家已開始2009年試辦青年過渡期住宿試驗計劃，2011至2018年持續發展青年家舍服務；直到2018年時更積極拓展「第二人生助跑計劃」。後者的計劃是想更全面照顧到這些住在家舍青年的其他成長需要。
她解釋：「經過約10年的青年家舍住宿服務，總括經驗下，這些青年能有一處安定的容身之所，的確能為他們減輕大部分的經濟壓力，讓他們的過渡期帶來安穩。跟著我們便要想如何再在他們的第二人生中，多點扶持他們。」
因此他們設計的第二人生助跑計劃，便是用來幫助入住期間的青年面對升學和就業的問題，和他們規劃職涯，接受獨立生活的訓練，裝備好自己來應付日後的社會生活。
「個人成長和獨立生活訓練是必要的，例如自助煮食、家務、理財儲蓄、個化的社交發展和人際溝通等，就是沒有父母可從小身教的示範，所以以上一切都需要由家舍導師負責。但始終導師的教導有限，當中亦需要一些外間的人際網絡作溝通支援，讓他們多接觸不同的人，建立屬於自己的朋友圈，建立自信。」她解釋說。
所以計劃中會有一具體項目——「生命師傅」能陪伴青年成長、生命同行，是家舍導師以外的同路人。「這幾年我們便和各大小教會招募有心人，大部分都是資深的基督徒夫婦，他們有教會的推薦，而又願意義務地為這些青年人服務，以他們多年的社會人生經驗，向青年人分享，加上是父母，在培育子女上都有一定的心得。他們會定期有一些家聚、外出聚餐或活動等，讓青年人能感受一下家的感覺，從中得到一些心靈慰藉。」
羅院長在此工作了20多年，身體力行，結婚後一家四口都住在兒童之家，培育過不少院童長大，感受至深。「很多人都說家庭悲劇是會一代代地延續，我也認同。所以既然我們能預見到，便要盡力把悲劇在這一代停止。這就是我常說的如果在這些青年踏進第二人生路上作他們的扶持者，大家都多走一里路，結果或許可以截然不同。」
最後，羅院長引述了一宗令她印象深刻且欣慰的個案，阿明因為家中虐兒個案而入住這裏，讀書雖不佳但很懂事，18 歲離院後嘗試回家居住，怎料住不了兩、三個月，母親將他的行李扔出家門，無助下只好向社工求助，入住了青年家舍1年左右便轉往青年社區共住單位(青年社區共住服務是播道兒童之家與愛心業主合作，用低廉的租金(約2千元)，租給有需要的青少年。)
阿明在我們幫助下解決了住屋需要，同時展開半工讀生涯，他一邊從事晚間鐵路維修工作，一邊進修，由毅進文憑讀起，希望用10年時間完成有關工程的學位課程。他離開院舍至今已有4年，半工讀的生活雖然辛苦，但總算成功開闢了前路。
記者：郭秀芳
相片: (院舍提供)
【正能量】播道兒童之家拓青年家舍服務 扶持困境青年度過逆境
https://topick.hket.com/article/2814257?r=cpsdlc
專訪播道兒童之家青年導師余燕芬導師及青年家舍舊宿生Vincy
主持: 陳美思
家舍青年導師余燕芬(Stephanie)與青年同行十年，陪伴不少青年過渡艱難時刻。他們大多成長於缺失家庭：單親、父母患病、離逝或離異、或父母各自已經組織家庭、因吸毒、入獄不能照顧；或家暴、性侵個案等。由於青年人在不完整及被忽略照顧的環境下成長，形成不安全感，為了保護自己，啟動防衛機制，不易與人建立互信關係，影響人際社交。在導師Stephanie照顧下跨出成長創傷的舊宿生Vincy，分享有幸在青年家舍生活，讓她感到被愛、有家的感覺，有力重新出發。
Stephanie接觸的青年人都是有目標理想，只因成長環境影響個人發展。她分享播道兒童之家「第二人生助跑計劃」，為家舍青年提供過渡性居所、職場輔導、理財、獨立生活訓練，幫助青年了解自己、建立自信，扶助他們從混亂迷茫裡，規劃前路。
舊宿生Vincy，從小已受家暴問題，因身體已嚴重受傷不能再與母親同住，大約20歲那年決心離開。經教會轉介入住臨時庇護宿舍，由於是短期住宿，故此每星期也被催促何時會搬離開。那時感到很迷失，剛巧失業，要面對住屋、工作、經濟的問題，壓力非常大；而每當經過屋企附近，恐懼感便湧出來，未能找到合適的對象分擔，感到很孤單。幸好經轉介入住播道兒童之家，在此有導師的關愛、有較長期穩定居所、及各項培訓工作坊，幫助穩定心情及生活，有能力在職場起步。
現在Vincy已經有自己的家庭，也當了媽媽，將從前學懂的生活自理，回饋照顧家人；也因著得到導師的輔導，與家人關係漸修和好。她感謝播道兒童之家在她困難階段所提供的服務。
節目重溫：
24/11/2020 播道兒童之家「第二人生助跑計劃」
https://bit.ly/373gX52
If children can gain knowledge of money management, explore and practise at a young age, their future growth will be greatly benefited. House parents train Wilbur House children (primary school boys) on money management, and let them grasp some basic concept in economics earlier. These children learn how to save, reduce unnecessary spending, postpone enjoyment of their ‘heart’s desire’, and save money slowly for their set targets. The result is very encouraging!
Learn Currency Values
House parents teach children money management. Firstly they introduce to them the Hong Kong currencies, for example, the shapes, sizes and values of coins and paper notes, so as to avoid confusion. Allow them to record income and expenditure every week. Just like Math, they add the savings (e.g. red packets) and deduct the spending on their account books. Let them see how much they really have. Then they can plan ahead and clear off fantasies.
Set Goals and Carry Out Plans
Once the savings goals are set, they can list out the ‘wants items’ or ‘important and needed items’ using straight line sorting method. House parents can infuse the meaning and value of each item, let them set priority and make better decisions. When the shopping goals are set, they have to compare prices and be smart consumers. For example, the same product may have different prices in different stores. If one store offers discounts, is it the best price? This could be a very practical Math lesson!
Give Back and Sharing
Finally when certain saving amount is reached and the ‘heart’s desired’ is bought, are they able to share the joy with housemates? Will it be donated to someone else in need? Learning such topics at a young age can help pave the way to contribute and give back to the society.
From Theory to Practice
Steve (alias):
He saved enough money to treat his mum for a meal on Mother’s Day.
Brian (alias):
Aim at the target, check for the best price, then purchase biography of his favorite basketball star.
Teach children to “save first, spend later”, cherish to wisely use and manage money, master the balance of income and expenditure, then we can cultivate their good spending habits. Some research points out that children who can postpone enjoyment and wait patiently will give rise to better development in academic, social and coping ability, thus enlightening their future.
The fifth wave pandemic swept all over Hong Kong and our children’s home was in deep water. A total of 22 children, youths and staff were tested positive. We are grateful to get over this battle with peace even at the precarious stage. Our staff standby each other and protect this Home against the pandemic.
Start of the New Wave
Our organization is located in the middle of the infected area of Wong Tai Sin. In early Feb, after everyone passed the compulsory nucleic acid test, we started to use rapid antigen tests for early identification of infected residents or staff. This preventive measure proactively stopped anyone with symptoms from returning to this Home.
Challenges of On-site Quarantine
Inevitably, the virus struck on us. On Feb 18, after the “Pandemic Response Measure Meeting”, our staff reported 3 residential children and 1 day care child tested positive. With fear and precaution, we immediately launched the highest-level contingency measure in order to quickly stop the spread of viruses inside our Home. As Hong Kong was at the peak of the pandemic, quarantine facilities became insufficient and public health care system was collapsing. Apart from arranging voluntary online medical consultation by our honorary consultant doctor, we quickly implemented on-site quarantine, separated children that were confirmed as infected, close contacts, returned from short term home leave and other children into four different zones, and took care of them separately. Even if they had to be moved from one place to another, they did not make any complaint. All children were required to stay at our Home during quarantine period. Every day, we have to do rapid tests as prevention of outbreak and safeguard the health of the children.
United as One to Fight the Pandemic
In the severe pandemic, 8 children, 2 youths and 12 staff have been infected successively. Our organization has to maintain 24-hour residential and youth home services for more than 100 children and youth, and face the unprecedented challenges. How we should take care of the children in different zones, deliver meals, continue online classes, conduct rapid tests and monitoring, arrange medical consultation, protect and disinfect the area, all these increased the workload and psychological pressure of our staff. Thanks to different departments, frontline house parents, supporting staff, etc. for safeguarding in their positions and help each other. There were social workers who took up night duties at consecutive nights, relief staff who risked and worked in the forefront. In face of extreme shortage of manpower due to their illnesses, the superintendent and social workers personally took care of the children. Thankfully, although confirmed cases were found in different care units, they happened at different time. Under the situation of extreme manpower shortage, everyone confronted the challenges head-on.
Take Care of Children’s Emotions
Under the pandemic, children need to stay inside our Home, take online and make up lessons. Some extracurricular activities could only be carried out to a limited extent or moved online. To our children, especially those with special educational needs, staying focused could be a big challenge. House parents not only look after the children’s daily living, protect them from infection and teach them self-care, they also care about their emotional stress due to the pandemic. “Beibei” (alias) – one of the children tested positive and recovered, recalled that she used to co-live in a group and felt lonely when isolated during quarantine. Fortunately, social workers and house parents kept chatting with her and cheered her up.
播道兒童之家一直為 6-18歲孤兒、來自破碎或困難家庭的兒童及青少年提供院護服務。2009年試辦青年過渡期住宿試驗計劃，但滿了18歲成年的院童便需要離開。當中有不少青年是無家可歸，甚或有家歸不得，面對高昂的租金、被迫獨立生活，徬徨無助。
院長羅美珍早在十多年前已有感這些青年的困境，開始試辦青年過渡期住宿計劃，好讓他們能在成長路上跑得更穩妥。
羅美珍院長說在香港18歲便是法定成年人，但在她眼裏這些成年人仍是「小朋友」。這些因着複雜家庭背照的弱勢青年不僅要面對仕屋問題，身處香港這個知識型的經濟社會，低學歷、低收入、甚至失業失學的青年，實在是需要我們「大人」更多的關注。
「我聽過不少離開院舍的青年人慘況，其中有位女生因沒有家庭支援，只能租住大角咀的板間房，地方狹小骯髒不在話下，兼且品流複雜，實在不宜女生獨居。後來因我們有董事是工程師，發現播道兒童之家的地積比率尚未用盡，所以有在原址加建的想法，增加過渡宿位給有需要的家舍青年，一來舒緩租金壓力，幫助他們過渡獨立生活；二來因為他們沒有家人在情感上的支援，我們本着父母心，關顧他們的住宿問題外，同時滿足他們情感上的需要。」羅院長說。
所以早在2009年，播道兒童之家已開始試辦青年過渡期住宿試驗計劃，到2011-2018年持續發展青年家舍服務，直到2018年更積極拓展「第二人生助跑計劃」。後者是想更全面照顧到這些住在家舍青年的其他成長需要。
她解釋：「經過約10年的青年家舍住宿服務，總括經驗，這些青年能有一處安定的容身之所，的確能為他們減輕大部分的經濟壓力，讓他們的過渡期帶來安穩。跟着我們便要想如何再在他們的第二人生中，多點扶持他們。」
因此他們設計「第二入生助跑計劃」，幫助入住的青年面對升學和就業的問題，和他們規劃職涯，接受獨立生活的訓練，裝備好自己來應付日後的社會生活。
「個人成長和獨立生活訓練是必要的，例如自助煮食、家務、理財儲蓄、個人化的社交發展和人際溝通等，就是沒有父母可從小身教的示範，所以以上一切都需要由家舍導師負責。但始終導師的教導有限，當中亦需要一些外間的人際網絡作溝通支援，讓他們多接觸不同的人，建立屬於自己的朋友圈，建立自信。」羅院長解釋。
所以計劃中會有一具體項目—「生命師傅」，即能陪伴青年成長、生命同行，是家舍導師以外的同路人。「這幾年我們和各大小教會招募有心人，大部分都是資深的基督徒夫婦，他們有教會的推薦，而又願意義務為這些青年人服務，以他們多年的社會人生經驗，向青年人分享，加上是父母，在培育子女上都有一定的心得，他們會定期有一些家聚、外出聚餐或活動等，讓青年人能感受一下家的感覺，從中得到一些心靈慰藉。」
羅院長在此工作了20多年，身體力行，結婚後一家四口都住在播道兒童之家，陪伴過不少院童長大，感受至深。「很多人都說家庭悲劇是會一代代地延續，我也認同。所以既然我們能預見到，便要盡力把悲劇在這一代停止。這就是我常說的：如果在這些青年踏進第二人生路上作他們的扶持者，大家都多走一里路，結果或許可以截然不同。」
最後，羅院長引述了一宗令她印象深刻且欣慰的個案。阿明因為家中虐兒個案而入住播道兒童之家，讀書雖不佳但很懂事，18歲離院後嘗試回家居住，怎料住不了兩、三個月，母親將他的行李扔出家門，無助下只好向社工求助。入住了青年家舍一年左右便轉往青年社區共住單位。(青年社區共住服務是播道兒童之家與愛心業主合作，用低廉的租金約二千元，租給有需要的青少年。)
「阿明在我們幫助下解決了住屋需要，同時展開半工讀生涯，一邊從事晚間鐵路維修工作，一邊進修，由毅進文憑讀起，希望用十年時間完成有關工程的學位課程。他離開院舍至今已有四年，半工讀的生活雖然辛苦，但總算成功開闢了前路。」
轉載自香港經濟日報–C3親子廊
撰文記者：郭秀芳
相片: 黃建輝攝或院舍提供
Youngsters do not know what sadness is? Youth staying in children’s home have to think about housing, livelihood, independent living and other issues before the age of 18, and their growth is accelerated all at once.
Kenny (alias) used to be taken care of by his grandma and lived a carefree live. He was arranged to stay in the children’s home about the time of junior high, when grandma was too old to look after him due to her old age. In this new Home, he had to learn to do housework and self-care. He accepted it silently with a sense of responsibility.
Boyhood Days
Kenny was looked after by his grandma since he was a child, and he had no impression of his parents at all. Life in this new Home was an eye-opener. Among the many activities, he liked hiking, especially the night walks, camping and sunrise watching activities at the end of year. Although it was tough, each time he successfully saw the sunrise, he felt a sense of achievement. In addition, he was impressed at the first time he participated in the “Man vs. Wild” – a field activity that tested physical fitness and courage. Kenny remembered that in one of the challenges they had to work in pairs and walk between two cliffs with one belt. He learnt that it takes courage to initiate the first step and come out of his comfort zone in order to succeed, and it is very important and a great help to have someone around and support each other.
Home is where the heart belongs
Kenny has an easy-going personality and everyone around him is willing to help. After he aged out of the children’s home to pursue further education, he still came back to work as a part-time tutor. This time, he takes care of young children like an elder brother. He realizes that the younger generation is different from his past and they have various needs. Nevertheless, he feels each generation has its own way of happiness.
Independent Living
Before any youth leaves the children’s home, social worker will assist with decisions on transitional arrangements such as housing, further education and work. Kenny is rather introverted, passive and goes with the flow. Under careful coordination of the social worker, he finally made up his mind to be a full-time student specializing in pharmacy. Firstly, it is his interest. Secondly, he was encouraged by the social worker. He wants to join the medical and nursing profession, and contribute to society in the future. With this goal in mind, he actively puts it into action. He allocates his time appropriately on studying and doing part-time job. After leaving this Home, he successfully moved into public housing, and gets support from a close relative.
The Strongest Backing
Always peaceful and quiet, Kenny is most reluctant to bid farewell to the comfortable life in high school, the boyhood days he spent with a group of housemates and the hot dishes from the dorm kitchen. Compared to living alone now, it seems a bit deserted. During leisure time, he loves reading and will go back to help at the children’s home. Evangel Children’s Home is like a big warm family. “Family members” look after, support and encourage each other, thus it becomes his strongest backing.
Besides providing a place to stay for the “transitional” youth, the staff and supervisor here also lend their ears to them. They listen to voices of the youth carefully and let them express their feelings.
An honest reveal of youth Zeta (alias):
Short-lived Happiness
It was unfortunate to move into a children’s home when having a family that was absent, not even for the basic support. I admit that I was less motivated to pursue my dreams as compared to others. There was no trusted person around me to instill correct values. Receiving care from Youth Home staff and supervisor was already very happy. However, this happiness is short-lived as they are not my family members.
After 18, I was transitioning to independence. To be honest, I was surviving to live. I did not expect to have my own space and dream. Youth Home was my first temporary residence, followed by theYouth Community Co-living Service I received from the 2nd Chance in Life – Transitional Youth Sponsorship Program. It was a great help that gave me peace of mind to finish my university course.
I felt grateful to be admitted to a university. However, I also worked as part time during my school days. Coping with study and exams, there seemed to be no spare time and no classmates. Comparing to other classmates, they could have extracurricular activities, leisure time, exchanges, study tours, etc. Nevertheless, I was fortunate enough to have a 7-day study tour in Mainland China, which was a dream come true.
A Fresh Start
Now that I step into society, I accept the limitations of my monotonous past which repeated itself every day. When I wanted to talk to someone, I would chit chat with my roommates. When I wanted to be alone, no one would disturb me. To me, the days of living in the Youth Home was not a negative thing or a misfortune. Indeed, it was the greatest fortune. I learnt to kick-start and be independent earlier than others, and I am not a complainant of my origin.
I hope there will be no more panic in the future and I will face uncertainty with courage. Now having a full-time job, I will find my scattered roommates and meet up on weekends to have a bowl of Vietnamese noddle in soup with chili. This is my trust, my friendship and the blue sky and white clouds above me.
A footnote post editing: thanks to Zeta’s sincere sharing. We understand that it was not easy for him along the way. Reading between the lines, we can feel the bitterness and helplessness within him. Grateful that he can still find a bit of sweetness in life. Seeing young people learning to be self-reliant bit by bit, I cannot help but be moved to say, “Keep it up and don’t give up!”
