In this vibrant season, Grade 6-8 students of Puxi campus have welcomed back the long-awaited charity bazaar, an event that has been absent for years. With utmost enthusiasm and creativity, the students have jointly woven a beautiful chapter of growth and dedication.

On the afternoon of May 16th, as the bell for YD class rang out, every corner of the charity bazaar venue instantly echoed with laughter and joy. The afternoon's charitable activities during YD class comprised two main segments: a uniquely innovative charity fair and a teacher talent showcase, complementing each other to jointly compose a dual movement of love and talent. Scattered like stars across the venue were 95 student-run booths, each one a miniature stage for dreams. The students exercised their ingenuity, meticulously decorating their stalls with the aim of attracting more attention and gathering an abundance of kindness.

Through the process of handcrafting items, planning their booths, and preparing beforehand, the students learned to care for others and understood that every contribution, no matter how small, is a tangible help to disadvantaged groups in society. The significance of the charity sale lies in cultivating a sense of social responsibility in each student, allowing them all to experience firsthand the truth behind the saying, "When you give roses to others, the fragrance lingers on your hands."

Stepping into the charity bazaar, the first sight to greet visitors was a dazzling array of merchandise and creatively designed stalls. Students ran their booths independently, infusing creativity into each item for sale: In the stationery area, alongside practical tools essential for academic stars, there were also customized journals bursting with originality. At the food stands, homemade bubble tea fizzed invitingly, cotton candy was as soft as clouds, and the refreshing scents of milk tea and lemon tea intermingled. The dessert section was mouthwatering, with each sweet treat imbued with the heartfelt intentions of its maker. Moreover, a variety of handmade crafts such as models, knitted items, and braided ornaments showcased students' dexterity and served as unique expressions of their thoughts. The interactive zone buzzed with excitement; games like ring tosses and golden egg smashing not only tested skills but also added to the fun. Students and teachers engaged in physical challenges, with opportunities to win extra vouchers amidst the cheerful chaos.

During the afternoon bazaar, teachers also took to the "stage," presenting six meticulously prepared acts. Ranging from heartfelt guitar performances to lively dance routines, each time the teachers stepped onto the stage, they were met with rounds of applause and cheers. These usually stern educators transformed into stars of the stage, sharing joyful moments with their students, bridging the gap between teacher and pupil, and allowing students a glimpse into a different dimension of their teachers' personalities.

As the evening descended, the auditorium gradually filled with an atmosphere of anticipation and warmth, setting the stage for the evening's Charity Concert, elevating the charity bazaar's excitement to new heights. More than just a feast for the eyes and ears, it served as a profound dialogue between love and art, where each note danced with the radiance of philanthropy.

This year marks the eleventh anniversary of the "Service Learning" program in the middle school section of SHSID, and the second consecutive year of hosting a Charity Concert, themed "Gathered Moments, United Dreams." This theme not only commemorates a decade of achievements in service learning but also foreshadows new collaborations and future developments. SHSID and the broader community join hands, nurturing seeds of kindness and compassion in the hearts of every student, which continue to grow and take root in their lives. It empowers students to assist their peers, collectively weaving a tapestry of dream fulfillment.

The charity concert began with the graceful melody of 'Fantasia', as seven Grade 8 students captivated the audience with a flawless ensemble performance on the flute, oboe, and clarinet, resembling a gentle spring breeze that warmed the hearts of everyone present. Following this, Ms. Zhang Zehong, Secretary General of SHS, took to the stage to warmly welcome the external coordinators of charitable activities, and encouraged everyone to support charity through practical actions, creating an atmosphere that was both enthusiastic and solemn. Ms. Shi Qiuqin, Vice-Chairman of the Shanghai Children's Foundation (SCF), also addressed the audience, introducing the charitable projects. After a solemn flag presentation ceremony, Mr. Chen Yong, another Vice-Chairman of the SCF, presented charitable certificates to three student representatives from SHSID, marking the official recognition of students’ contributions to the event.

Following suit, the musical stream flowed on. The concert was honored to feature a special performance by the Angelic Melodies Salon, who presented a moving rendition of 'Hey Jude' accompanied by a dance performance titled 'Mission Accomplished'. The performance of ‘Four Seasons - Summer Movement 3’ by 8-9 Ingemar, 8-12 Eric, and 8-13 Andy, with the harmonious blending of piano, violin, and cello, brought a refreshing breeze reminiscent of a summer day. A string sextet comprising six students from G7 and G8 performed 'Viva La Vida', infusing contemporary pop style into classical music, demonstrating a perfect fusion of the old and new, which garnered enthusiastic applause from the audience.

A classic excerpt from the musical 'Matilda', titled 'When I Grow Up', was passionately performed by four students from the musical theatre club, their pure childlike voices resonating with dreams taking flight, touching the hearts of everyone present. Furthermore, performances such as 'The Carousel of Life' and 'The Joker And The Queen', with their unique instrumental arrangements and heartfelt singing, wove tales of growth and aspiration, creating a poignant narrative about the journey of life and dreams.

6-2 Stephen's piano solo of ‘Chopin's Etude Op. 10 No. 4’ showcased astonishing technical prowess coupled with profound emotional expression, earning him thunderous applause. The crossover performance between ballet and instrumental music, 'Princess Destiny, Paquita', and the excerpt from the musical 'Hamilton', 'Satisfied', each captivated the audience in their own right – the former with its graceful choreography and the latter with its passionate singing, immersing spectators in a multifaceted feast of artistry.

The cello performance of 'Boccherini Cello Sonata No.6 in A Major, Second Movement' by 8-8 Daniel illuminated the profound allure of classical music. Meanwhile, 6-10 Olivia's erhu solo 'Horse Racing' brought the vibrancy and passion of traditional folk music to life with remarkable finesse. The ensemble performance of 'Dreams of the Caribbean' featuring ethnic instruments and the band's rendition of 'Satisfaction' further demonstrated the students' exploration and affection for diverse cultural expressions, enriching the evening with a vibrant celebration of multiculturalism.

As the concert drew to a close, the heartfelt rendition of 'Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You' by four G8 students serenaded the audience, etching a pledge of love into every heart. As the final note echoed, the room erupted in resounding applause, not only in admiration of the performers but also as a tribute to the triumphant conclusion of this charitable concert.

With the successful conclusion of the charity concert, the charitable activities for the SHSID middle school section also came to the end, all the funds raised through this charity bazaar will be unreservedly donated to multiple charitable organizations that the “Service Learning” programme has been partnering with over the long term. This event sowed seeds of kindness and compassion in the hearts of every student, seeds that will continue to take root and flourish in their lives. The power of charity, akin to the brightest star in the night sky, illuminates the path ahead, reminding us that we can, in our own ways and wherever we may be, bring light and warmth to the world. We look forward to reconvening next year, armed with even more creativity and love, to continue writing new chapters in the story of charity.

Written by Xu Qinyou

Pictures by G6-8 Teachers and Students, Ginger Xu

Edited by Cong Luo, David O' Leary