Xiao Ze Is Thankful For A Family Pack Received From World Vision.

A World Where All Children Are Safe From Disaster

“The biggest difference for us between normal life and our current life under the pandemic, is that our parents are always reminding me and my brother to wash our hands, and we cannot eat before washing our hands," said twelve-year-old Xiao Ze.

Xiao Ze, is in the fifth grade, lives with his grandmother, father, mother and younger brother in a small village in southwestern China. Money earned by his parents as migrant workers can only just make the ends meet.

The COVID-19 pandemic broke out duirng the second half of January in 2020. Due to the subsequent national lockdown, Xiao Ze, who was already on his winter break, experienced an unprecedentedly prolonged holiday. "When the pandemic first broke out, it seemed that nothing was very different at first. The only change was that my parents couldn't go out to work and stayed at home because of the virus. But I didn't feel fearful and continued to play with my friends as usual."

The pandemic forced schools to reopen late. As a result, Xiao Ze could only study at home. Not long after getting back to school, Xiao Ze received a Family Pack distributed by World Vision. Each class received a Hygiene Box as well. "There were soaps, hand sanitizers, electronic thermometers and towels in the Family Pack. The Hygiene Box included hand sanitizers and disinfecting equipment. They were all exactly what we needed. My parents also tell me these items help us to become less susceptible to illness."

"I was so glad to receive the Family Pack. I took it back home to share with my family so that they could also stay healthy. Teachers used the equipment in the Hygiene Boxes to sterilize classrooms every day at school. The disinfecting fluids had a bad odor, but they provided us with a safe environment to study. I sincerely thank the kind people for their donation. I wish them a happy, safe and healthy life," Xiao Ze said.

Since the pandemic, the biggest change Xiao Ze experienced was within his own family life. In the past, only grandmother could take care of him and his brother while their parents went out of town for work. Now they are all confined at home and his parents spend more time with both children. “My teachers have shared their comments about my homework with my father. My dad has also worked with me and helped me in my studies."

Twelve-year-old Xiao Ze, who is the eldest son, has yet to experience the impact of losing the family’s source of income. “My parents tell me that it’s not safe outside, and they received messages from their work place to stay home until it’s safe enough to go back to work. Currently, they are staying at home and doing some part-time jobs."

Although the pandemic in China is now effectively under control, Xiao Ze still worries about his parents who might go back out for work soon. “I hope they can work in a safe environment. I've reminded them to wash hands frequently and to stay away from diseases." Xiao Ze said that he already shared what he had learned from World Vision's hand washing activity with his family and he hopes they will stay healthy and safe throughout the pandemic.