Michelle (United States)
“When my husband and I came to China in early 2019, I knew that I wanted to spend my time giving back to the people of Beijing. Through MCF I am able to use my talents to, hopefully, inspire disadvantaged children and learn more about the Chinese culture. To my surprise, MCF has become so much more than a volunteer opportunity. It has become a home away from home. Through this organization I have been able to meet and work with so many wonderful talented people from all around the world. Everyone is genuinely dedicated to helping the disadvantaged children of Beijing. Everyone that I have met at MCF truly strives to help to live up to their motto, inspire and be Inspired and you cannot get any better than that.”
Kaye (Philippines)
“MCF is truly unique in that it attracts friends of different backgrounds and strengths – all wanted to genuinely contribute to helping disadvantaged children. This is the kind of synergy that is created in MCF that enables it to have such an impact on the lives of disadvantaged children. This genuineness rolls off from everyone in MCF which makes it such a pleasure to be part of.” Kaye is Filipino lawyer and entrepreneur who has in 2020 joined her husband on his posting in Beijing. She helps MCF in its CSR our efforts and cooperation with other institutions.
Christine (Singapore)
“After being in Beijing for almost two years as a homemaker, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and find ways to give something back to the community. I found out about MCF and was inspired by what MCF had done. Starting with no expertise at all and in doubt on what I could help with, eventually I was exhilarated when I realised how much I could do to help the disadvantaged children. I got involved in the many MCF events as well as the Friday teaching sessions. Firstly, I am putting my effort in the community through MCF, but I got even more back in return. MCF not only makes me realise my personal potential but I also gain meaningful insights from each of our unique volunteers from different parts of the world. I am truly glad to be part of MCF family.”
Marie (Spain)
“What MCF does best is making its members feel like part of the family whilst providing them with hands on experience of working in the non-profit sector. There are an increasing number of organisations that will charge you exorbitant amounts for ‘volunteer experience’ only to place you on makeshift projects of no real value to the communities you are trying to help. MCF actually needs helpers, they will not charge you and they will expect you to take on real responsibilities.”
Chelsea (UK)
“As a person who spends most of her time in relatively more modern and central parts of Beijing, rarely visiting the city’s remote suburbs, today’s visit not only made me understand the magnitude of inequality in the city, but also, and most importantly, the great potential and capacity of learning that these children hold. It only takes people like me to listen more and recognize their daily efforts in changing their status quo through education. I am happy that MCF today gave me an opportunity to do so – moments of humbleness and a short, but meaningful moment of break from what usually is just another bustling day in the city.”
Francesca (Italy)
“It’s easy for Beijing-based expats to get caught up in the “foreigner bubble” interacting only with fellow non-Chinese and growing comfortable with an insulated lifestyle. Working with MCF gave me the opportunity to practice Chinese and grow as a teacher, and also helped me gain a deeper and more complete understanding of life and society in modern China. Interacting with my students and using MCF’s fun and flexible curricula to learn from each other forced me to engage with China on a personal scale. My students’ curiosity, energy, and zeal for learning enthralled me, and allowed both sides to make great strides in language learning. Thank you, MCF, for your devotion to a fair and fruitful future, and for helping me find a meaningful and powerful connection to China that I hope will last for years to come.”