A Girl Who Kept Her Dream to Herself

Mimi grew up in a single-parent family. Quiet and shy by nature, she never asked her mother for gifts or special treats.

She watched her mother work tirelessly to support a family of four. Every school year, Mimi could sense her mother's worry as she struggled to cover tuition and other school expenses for three children.

At church, Mimi fell in love with the sound of the piano. The gentle melodies brought her joy and comfort. With the help of an after-school tutor, she learned to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Her interest in music grew quickly, and she eagerly looked forward to every opportunity to sit at the piano.

Yet when a teacher asked whether she wanted to take piano lessons, Mimi immediately thought of her mother's long hours at work and the stress of making ends meet. She shook her head and quietly said no, keeping her wish hidden deep inside.

"Piano Lessons Cost Too Much"

One day, a Child Welfare League Foundation (CWLF) social worker saw Mimi playing the piano during a parent-child event.

As Mimi played, her eyes sparkled and her confidence shone through. Curious, the social worker asked how she had learned to play. Mimi shyly explained that a tutor at church had taught her a few songs, though she insisted she was not very good.

When the social worker asked whether she would like to learn piano more formally, Mimi's eyes widened. "No, no!" she replied immediately. "Piano lessons are expensive. My mom already works so hard. I can't make things harder for her."

Opening Doors to Learning and Growth

Later, the social worker introduced the Young Sailor Learning Empowerment Program to Mimi and her mother. Both were thrilled. Mimi could hardly contain her excitement.

Although Mimi had never spoken openly about her dream, her mother had noticed her daughter's love for music all along. She knew how much Mimi wanted to learn piano but simply could not afford the lessons. She was deeply grateful that the program could provide an opportunity she had long wished she could give her daughter.

Today, Mimi continues her piano studies. (🎵Listen to Mimi play the piano)

Each time the social worker visits, she sees the joy Mimi finds in learning and playing music. Her mother has also noticed a remarkable change. Mimi has become more confident, more outgoing, and more willing to express herself.

While she may not be able to provide her children with an affluent life, she is grateful that the Young Sailor Learning Empowerment Program has given Mimi the opportunity to discover her strengths, pursue her interests, and dream about her future.

The Barriers Facing Children Growing Up in Poverty

Many families served by CWLF face daily challenges related to finances, parenting, and child development. To help bridge these gaps, we provide practical resources and ongoing support tailored to each family's needs.

According to CWLF service data, 66.8% of families experiencing disadvantage have struggled to pay tuition and fees, and 63.9% have experienced shortages of educational supplies and learning resources, underscoring the limited educational resources available to many families.

Under the dual challenges of "limited parental expectations and support" and "lack of educational resources," children from disadvantaged backgrounds often face a difficult and frustrating educational journey.

Nearly half (46.6%) struggle academically or fall behind their classmates, and some are forced to enter the workforce early to ease their family's financial burden. Limited schooling and learning experiences can later restrict them to lower-paying, less secure jobs, making it even harder to break free from the cycle of poverty, access diverse learning opportunities, or develop in ways that match their strengths.

Giving Children a Chance to Shine

Through years of working alongside families, CWLF has met countless children with extraordinary talent and potential. Too often, financial hardship prevents them from developing those talents or even exploring their interests in the first place.

The Young Sailor Learning Empowerment Program helps children from disadvantaged backgrounds access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. In addition to support for child care, school expenses, and after-school programs, the initiative places special emphasis on extracurricular learning and talent development.

These opportunities help children broaden their horizons, enrich their life experiences, and rebuild confidence in themselves.

Steering Their Own Course in Life

During the program, one supporter shared a thought that stayed with us:

"When a child is struggling just to meet basic needs, learning a talent or skill may seem like a luxury."

But what if children with potential were given the opportunity to develop their strengths? Could this opportunity open new possibilities for their future?

We believe it can.

With consistent guidance and support, children can turn their talents into strengths that shape their futures. Through the Young Sailor Learning Empowerment Program, we hope to help children discover what they love, develop lifelong skills, and gain the opportunity to choose their own path in life.

Every person is like a ship sailing across the sea, and only they can determine its direction. Children are the little helmsmen of their own lives. When given the support and opportunities they need, they gain the confidence to chart their own course and set sail toward their future.

◼Read more:
The Young Sailor Learning Empowerment Program 
【Trauma-Informed Care Services】When a Mother Has No One to Turn To, Understanding Comes First
【Parenting Support Services】Nurturing Care for Parent-Child Interaction at Parenting+ Centers