I am an Australian teacher’s aide who has worked with small children in several different learning environments for over 19 years. I have been volunteering at Cradle of Hope since late last year assisting in the 2-4 year old group. Unfortunately I do not speak the local language and the care givers have limited English, but that is not a problem. The care givers have welcomed and embraced any new experience or activity I have introduced to the children and have later reproduced the activity with their new gained knowledge. The children themselves are delightful and within 2 weeks of visiting, one little girl has been greeting me and continues to greet me, with open arms and excitement. I have just started volunteering on a Saturday and now get to spend more valuable time with the children on their outings. I know the wider Macanese community is very generous and respectful, especially on these excursions, which itself is a testament to the work and care this Association provides for the children. We are all striving to make a difference in these children’s lives and rest assured any help or service you can provide is greatly appreciated. A friend, who introduced me to Cradle of Hope Association, told me “you know, doing this volunteering work will really make your time here in Macau very special.” I now know what she means and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this Association.

Debbie Street.