We spoke with Stepping Stones volunteer Cara Canzler about giving migrant kids the gift of knowledge.

Tell us about Stepping Stones.
It’s a charity that does volunteer English teaching at migrant schools around Shanghai. We have teams at 16 different schools.

What role do you play?
I have been volunteer teaching since my husband and I came from Berlin to Shanghai two years ago. I’m also the volunteer schedule coordinator for our school. We have five teachers and two teaching assistants going out at different times each week.

What drove you to volunteer?
Before coming to China I thought about what I could do to connect myself to the country in a meaningful way. I took a course in Berlin to gain some teaching experience and then, shortly after I arrived, I read an article about Stepping Stones and found exactly what I was looking for. I needed to stay flexible as I have three small kids, but was very thankful to have a challenge of my own. Stepping Stones enables me to work, experience China and still be there for my family.

What’s your class like?
I teach two grade five classes a week. The classes range from 40 to 50 children, most of whom are from Anhui. Despite the fact that the kids are living underprivileged lives, they are very resourceful, fun and full of energy. They are highly competitive and easily motivated.

What’s been the best aspect of the experience?
The kids. They are wonderful to be around and give me a connection to China that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

How can people get involved?
Stepping Stones is always looking for new volunteers and runs regular orientation classes. No previous teaching experience is required.

Want to help? Take a look at Stepping Stones' Website, email them at enquiry@steppingstoneschina.net or give them a call at 3209-5565.