Over the years, Sunbeam has changed the lives of many children. Here are just a few of the individual stories of children whose lives have been changed for the better at the Sunbeam Children's Village.
Jade's Story
Jade and her brother were admitted to our Sunbeam Village in 2003. Three siblings (one older sister and two younger sisters) were left in the care of their grandmother. Soon after Jade's admission she was diagnosed with leukemia and underwent treatment for two years. St. Gabriel's Parish, New Jersey, USA and generous donors in Hong Kong raised the money for her treatment. When we took Jade home to visit her sisters, and after seeing their dreadful living conditions, we managed to admit Jade's sisters to Sunbeam Children's Village as well. The five children have been growing up happily together at Sunbeam Children's Village ever since.
WISDOM'S STORY
After Wisdom's parents passed away, he and his siblings lived with their Grandfather, who was hearing disabled and without any income. As an intelligent and driven young man, Wisdom took much initiative in acquiring the best possible education he could. Sunbeam supported his living and accommodation needs while he attended college, and today he works as a physiotherapist.
Sadie's Story
Sadie and her siblings lost both parents. At the time, they were living with their elderly grandparents in unsanitary conditions, and were poorly nourished. Their elderly grandparents were unable to look after the children properly. The children were admitted to the Sunbeam Village in 2011, and they have been growing up happily in our care ever since.
Jeremy's Story
Jeremy was admitted to the Sunbeam Village in 2007, after his siblings had already joined. Their father passed away in 2005, and their mother suffers from ill health. With the family in destitution, their mother was unable to raise the children. Jeremy suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and had multiple old fractures throughout his body. Schools were reluctant to admit him because he posed an accident threat. In 2008, Jeremy was brought to Hong Kong under the auspices of The Duchess of Kent Society for the Disabled. He underwent corrective surgery for a massive deformity in one leg, and also for a leg lengthening procedure. Subsequently, he was rehabilitated in the Yee Hong Heights HKJC Rehabilitation Centre in Shenzhen. Jeremy has made an amazing recovery and is currently studying electronic technology at the Guangdong Province Technician Institute. He is a hard working, diligent young man and is close to his family.
Thomas’ story
Following the loss of his parents, Thomas went to live with his grandmother. However, living in poverty, she was unable to support his education. He entered the SCV in 2004, and eventually gained access to Jiaying University to study medicine. He is now working as a doctor in Qingxin. In his off time, he supports his grandmother by helping with farming.
GARY’S STORY
Following the passing of their father, Gary and his younger sister lived with various extended family members before taking residence at the SCV in 2000. Gary went on to gain an education at Changsha Social Work College, and has embarked on a career as a social worker.
PAUL’S STORY
When Paul’s father passed away, he and his older adopted sister lived with their elderly grandmother. After his sister got married, he entered SCV in 1999. With Sunbeam’s support, Paul pursued his education at Chongqing Three Gorges University, and is now working as a civil engineer.