Changemaker Grant Empowering Our Community  

In this Q&A, we spoke with Parent Link President Hang Ngo and CARE Link Leaders Aisha Moffet and Juliette Mu to explore Parent Link's two recent initiatives: the Changemaker Grant and CARE Link. Read on to find out how they support our students and their learning while making a difference in our community! 

1) Please tell us about the Changemaker Grant. How did it start, and what are its goals? 

The Changemaker Social Innovation Grant was initiated by Parent Link’s former Vice Chair Miao Lu, it was her passion project.  She developed a grant proposal process to support student initiatives that foster creativity, collaboration, and leadership within our WAB community.   
 
The grant's mission is to empower student clubs and the community by providing financial resources to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing WAB and local communities.   

2) What projects has the grant supported so far? 

So far, the Changemaker Grant has provided: 

• RMB 16,000 for WAB’s first student-led Silent Disco; 
• RMB 25,000 to the Elementary School Library to bring author Maisie Chan to visit; 
• RMB 8,000 to the Middle School Red Scroll Library for their VLebook pilot program.  

We hope to continue empowering our community, enriching campus life, and promoting student development.  

Silent Disco 

Grade 12 student Polly, organizer of the Silent Disco and leader of the Signs of Love service club, shared that she always wanted to create an event that truly embraced inclusion and therefore wanted to organize WAB’s first-ever Silent Disco. She was wondering how they would get the resources to make it happen. When she learned about the Changemaker Grant, she saw the opportunity to turn her vision into reality.  

Polly shared, "Together with the school psychologist Dr. Topper and Global Citizen Coordinator Ms. Crouch, we drafted a proposal outlining the event’s purpose, estimated participants, detailed budget, and expected impact. After presenting it to Parent Link and receiving their approval, we secured funding for renting wireless headphones from Shanghai, refreshments from Bread of Life Bakery, and event setup.” She added, “The grant truly made it possible to create an event that brought together community members from all backgrounds across Beijing, turning our vision into an unforgettable experience!"

Digital Reading in the Middle School Library 

Middle School Librarian Luna Wang shared that the Red Scroll Library aims to enhance digital reading access by exploring an e-library resource, either VLebooks or MackinVIA based on WAB community feedback.  

"This grant will enable us to gather insights from students, teachers, and parents during the pilot, fostering a culture of reading and making e-resources more accessible and equitable for all. With this support, we believe this initiative will have a lasting positive impact on our students and the broader community," said Luna.  

Visting Author During Book Week 

Due to the help of Parent Link, WAB's Elementary and Middle Schools will host award-winning author Maisie Chen for two days during our annual book week this year. Maisie is a children's author whose debut novel Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths was shortlisted for the Panda Book Awards in 2022-23 and won the Jhalak Prize and the Branford Boase Award in 2022. Her latest novel, Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu, is long-listed for the Diverse Book Awards 2023. She also writes the series Tiger Warrior. Maisie has written to early readers and has published a collection of myths and legends.  

Elementary School Librarian Beth Rohrbeck expressed, “Having a visiting author greatly enhances the culture of reading among students. When an author shares their experiences and insights about writing, it inspires young learners to explore their own creativity. Students see firsthand the passion and effort that goes into creating stories, which can motivate them to read more books and write their own stories.” Beth added, “The interaction between a visiting author and students helps create a vibrant reading community where students feel more connected to literature and understand its importance in their lives.” 

WAB libraries are passionate about promoting literacy by introducing diverse voices and perspectives through the visiting author program. Authors often share stories that reflect different cultures, experiences, and ideas, which broaden students' understanding of the world. This exposure encourages students to think critically about the texts they read and fosters a love for literature. By engaging with authors, students not only improve their reading skills but also develop empathy and appreciation for different cultures. 

3) How are funds raised for the grant? 

Parent Link supports these initiatives through fundraising activities and sales at Tiger Den.   Every year, Parent Link organizes a wide range of activities that raise funds for local non-profits supporting those in need, as well as to fund initiatives like the Changemaker Grant, ensuring continued opportunities for student-led projects and community enrichment. 

4) How can students, clubs, or teachers apply for this grant?  

Students and WAB community members can apply for the Changemaker Grant by reaching out to Parent Link directly or through WAB staff.  Once Parent Link receives a proposal, applicants are invited to present their initiative to the executive committee, who then determine the eligibility and funding of the project. 

5) Can you introduce the CARE link to us? 

At our newly renamed CARE link (formerly Charity Link), we C.A.R.E. deeply about making a positive impact in our community. 
 
We: 

• C - Collaborate with compassion 
• A - Act through innovative fundraising 
• R - Reach those in need 
• E - Empower our community 

Through teamwork and resources, we foster a culture of support, progress, and kindness, inspiring a brighter future for all.  

We Collaborate (C) with compassionate hearts, building a supportive network of parents, teachers, and students who work with our community partners. We take Action (A) through innovative fundraising initiatives and events. Joining hands and hearts, we foster a culture of empathy, kindness, and generosity. We reach (R) out to those in need, supporting local non-profit organizations that enrich the lives of others.  

Ultimately, we (E)mpower our partners and our community through teamwork and resources and foster a culture of support, progress, and enablement, inspiring a brighter future for all.