As part of their study abroad trip to China, students led a summer camp for 60 orphans

This summer nine Aggies studying abroad in Qingdao, China, visited with ethnic-minority Yi youths orphaned by AIDS. The students sampled Yi culture, including food and games, and the youngsters met their first foreigners. To show appreciation for what they learned, the Aggies donated school supplies, a public address (P.A.) system and 37 pairs of shoes -- one for each student in the Si Kai Love class.

The four-day stay with 9- to 15-year-olds in the Si Kai Love class is part of a longer trip in which the Aggies learn and help local residents. The students led a summer camp for 60 orphans aged 5 to 10 who hope to start first grade this fall. Upon their return to Texas A&M in mid-August, the Aggies plan to raise money to sponsor a class of 40 to 45 children; each child’s education costs about $400 a year. If they raise the funds, the first-grade class will be named for Texas A&M University.

"The best part about spending time with the orphans was seeing how joyful they are despite their circumstances," said Thomas Kearney '10, who holds a master's degree in international affairs from the George Bush School of Government and Public Service. "The kids were extremely loving and giving, and it was both humbling and inspiring to see their behavior and attitude."

Dr. Antonio La Pastina of Texas A&M’s Department of Communication led the trip to the Sichuan region, which is allowing Aggies to experience China’s cultural, historical and geographical diversity.







To learn how you can fund global study scholarships for Texas A&M students, contact Jody Ford '99 at the Texas A&M Foundation at (800) 392-3310 or (979) 845-8161.