The journey of Beyond Boundaries started three years ago when Hangzhou Goodwill Activist's connected with the visually impaired community for dance, teaching them kizomba at LA Soul Studio. Since the break of covid we have been collaborating on how to connect with them again, and their community leader suggested something dear to our hearts, an education program for the youth, a small group of students who just wish to branch out and get the right to the education that all children deserve.

Their enthusiasm was touching. During our first session all the kids were engaged and excited. Learning fruits based on touch, taste, and smell, explaining their feelings of what they did and did not like, and seeing them express their feelings and seeing their reactions on not just the fruit, but their interactions with us, was worth its weight in gold. One girl, named Amy, was so free spirited and happy that she didn't care what she was doing or where she was going, she always had a smile stretched across her face.

Later, our fellow volunteer Nolene, led a wonderful art class of finger painting, allowing the kids to use their sense of touch to be creative. One kid, named Leo, painted his favorite toy he brought with him, a bucket truck. Using his fingers he traced the shape of the truck, recreating it on paper in amazing detail. I was absolutely blown away by their creativity and self-adaptation.

I believe they all taught me just as much as we taught them. It went so well and we were all so excited that we were already planning several lessons ahead into the middle of the semester. Every other Sunday, we will be getting together with this handful of kids and connecting with them to provide a positive and engaging learning experience.