Volunteer Vacation In China:

La La Shou Special Education Center La La Shou (Hand in Hand) Special Education Center is a non-profit, privately funded organization in Xi'an. Founded in 2002 by two self-described, "desperate" mothers of autistic and special needs children, the center provides the stimulation and specialized education the children can't receive elsewhere.

Government funding of services for disabled citizens in China is minimal, owing largely to the social stigma of mental and physical handicaps. Generations of disabled Chinese people have faced severe discrimination, hidden at home to be cared away from public view. This condition is changing very slowly in urban areas, but only through private efforts. Because La La Shou staff believe that loving intervention enables the children's "hidden abilities" to overcome their handicaps, your personal attention can help give them a future that very few before them have had. Everyone can make a difference! Each volunteer is assigned to an individual child for the entire program, and is counseled on her/his abilities, interests, and learning style by the Center staff and the child's parents. Every day, the children and volunteers play, eat and practice living skills together, maximizing the value of this interaction. Your help and encouragement will ensure they can succeed in life and have a happy future.