On August 1, 2019, a group of volunteers with the project "Growing up with you" set off from Beijing to Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region. They were on a mission and their endeavor was unique: organizing a flash mob with Tibetan orphans at the Potala Palace square to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. ? ?
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Children prepare for a flash mob show at the Potala Palace square, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, August 8, 2019. /CGTN Photo
The week-long rehearsals were an exercise in discipline and commitment, and opened a window into the lives of Tibetan orphans and the reality of their situation. Through candid moments and one-on-one interviews with orphans, their caretakers and volunteers, this documentary shows a side of Tibet you've never seen before.
Children at an orphanage in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. /CGTN Photo
This project, developed by Zhang Yuan, visits one of orphanages in Tibet each year to help Tibetan orphans gain confidence through courses in marital arts, brush calligraphy and so on.
Zhang Yuan, founder of "Growing up with you" project. /CGTN Photo
The unique flash mob was performed by these Tibetan orphans at the Potala Palace Square on August 8, 2019.
Zhang Yuan said these orphans were the? "children of our country." The project wants children to be thankful for what they have through organizing the show.
Children during a martial arts class in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. /CGTN Photo
Wang Mei, a stay-at-home mom, who has never been to Tibet before, gave the caring mothers a questionnaire to find out what they really want to learn about in her course before the voluntary trip. She found many of the caregivers were very emotional. "A lot of them feel very guilty because they cannot balance their jobs and families," said Wang.
Wang Mei, volunteer teacher with "Growing up with you" project. /CGTN Photo
Wang Mei wants to help these caregivers by giving them a sense of happiness and confidence, and also a sense of awe for their job through the positive psychology course.
Children pose for a group photo with volunteer teacher Wang Mei in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. /CGTN Photo
Yangcuo, 15, lives in the orphanage with a dream of being a good psychologist. She hopes to help people who have been keeping their psychological pressure inside. "Life is more bitter than sweet. People have to practice in life. Life is meaningful when we suffer pain in our lives," said the girl.
A girl during a calligraphy class of the project in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. /CGTN Photo
Hou Meihan, 15, one of the high school student volunteers during this trip, taught children how to draw a mind map to help open their minds and expand their horizons. It also allowed her to get up close to the essence of education.
Children during a singing class at an orphanage in Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. /CGTN Photo
Director: Mi Xue
Editor: Mi Xue
Filmed by Fu Gaoliang
Designer: Qu Bo
Text by Mi Xue
Copy editors: Xuyen Nguyen, Nadim Diab
Producer: Wen Yaru
Chief editor: Pei Jian
Supervisor: Zhang Shilei
