The Boundless Girls program has recruited university volunteers to host summer camps that help young girls in remote areas to tap their potential. [Photo provided to China Daily]
He noticed that the participants at the camp were sensitive to the emotional ups and downs of those around them, and were quick to show their care.
"There were times when I was stressed or feeling down, and the kids just came over and tried to cheer me up."
One day, a student was running late as a result of some family issues. "Based on my own childhood recollections, I expected that the other students might tease her for being late," Zhao says.
That's not what happened.
Instead, when the class was over, some of the other students went up to their classmate who had arrived late, gave her reassuring pats, hugged her and shared their snacks with her.
"They were so sweet," Zhao marvels.
Living in the city, Zhao wonders whether nowadays, the attention of city children is diverted by gadgets, which might weaken emotional connections between individuals. The strong bonds between the students in Dali deeply moved him.
