Liu Ailun(first from left)folds paper with children at Hands of Hope in Vientiane, Laos, on Sept 5, 2021. [Photo / China Daily]One day in September 2020, Liu Ailun met two little girls in Laos. They were sitting in a tuk-tuk, a common form of public transportation in Southeastern Asia.
Captivated by their cheerful smiles and bright eyes, the 31-year-old Chinese photographer asked their father, who was the driver, if he could take photos of them.
While chatting, Liu learned that the two sisters were of school-age, but their family couldn't afford their school fees. Liu offered to provide financial support for their education and arranged to meet them the next morning, but the father didn't show up.
Determined, Liu managed to locate the family by the end of the day, but they were initially hesitant to trust him. With a local friend vouching for Liu, the family eventually accepted his generosity. Just four days later, the sisters were enrolled in a primary school.
"I found comfort and inner happiness in helping the girls, so I didn't want to stop, "Liu said.
In October 2020, Liu initiated a long-term public welfare project called Hope Vision under his own photography brand—"Hope"is also his daughter's name. The project cooperates with a center for disabled children called Hands of Hope in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
Each month, Liu gathers a group of volunteers to visit the hearing-impaired children at the center, providing both material support and emotional companionship.
They bring items such as stationery, drinks, food, toys, and other necessities. They also spend half the day engaging with the children by playing games, attending classes, or"chatting"with them using sign language.
When the Songkran Water Festival approaches, they would buy a water gun for each child. "This idea came from my daughter and son, who enjoy playing with the kids there, "Liu said.
In fact, Liu and his two children have set up a family project called Pay it Forward. Occasionally, they help one person in need and suggest that this person also help someone else in whatever way they can, ensuring that the kindness continues and doesn't stop with them.
Liu Ailun[Photo provided to China Daily]Liu likes sharing posts about his welfare activities on social media, and whenever he does, he receives numerous supportive messages and even financial contributions from the younger generation in China. Interestingly, even if some of them are unfamiliar with Laos, they still want to help.
"One possible reason, I think, is that many young people today are under so much pressure that they easily feel isolated and purposeless, "Liu said. "When they realize they can make a difference for others, their lives become about more than just themselves—they're responding to a distant cry for help. "
In August 2023, Liu and China Southern Power Grid Company collaborated on a new welfare initiative called Lights of Hope. Through this program, the disabled children at Hands of Hope had the opportunity to participate in professional painting classes at least once a week.
Three months later, the children completed a series of artworks. Liu was amazed by their extraordinary creativity, so he decided to organize a special exhibition for these young artists, marking their first-ever exhibition.
Liu himself underwent a serious leg surgery once, so he understands what disabled children go through and how they feel when they face prejudices from others. He was lucky at the time to have the support from his mother, friends, and children so that he could walk out of that challenging and dark period.
"I want these local children to see—like I did—that even if you were born into a dark house, there's someone out there holding a small hammer to break open the rusty locks and open the window to let the light in, "he said.
Ever since Liu arrived in Laos at the age of 15, he has fallen in love with the country and its people. Currently, about 60 percent of his daily work is dedicated to welfare projects, with his responsibilities including organizing, planning, communicating, and implementing them.
Liu aims to expand these projects to reach more people and regions in the coming years.
"I hope that one day, even if I'm no longer in Laos, those I've helped will continue to assist others in need, passing on hope, love, and kindness. This is my biggest wish, "he said.
