Soaring Beyond for Children in Out-of-Home Care

At Agape Children’s Home, safety is only the ground zero of our foster care approach. We believe true care means helping every child feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. To mark the beginning of our new activity hub, which is not just a physical space but also an integral part of our ongoing empowerment programs, we are introducing Tongyuan to enhance children’s sense of belonging and foster their personal growth.

Gathered around the table on a quiet weekend afternoon, the children watched in anticipation as caregivers mixed glutinous rice flour with natural ingredients to create vibrant pinks, greens, and yellows. Curiosity lit up their faces. “Is the yellow sweet potato?” one asked. Another worried if you could taste the vegetables in the green ones. Soon, flour turned to dough, and hesitation turned into laughter. A girl was at first apprehensive about her tangyuan not being even enough. But eventually, she held up her finished creation with pride, declaring, “This is even better than playing with clay!”

What began as a cultural activity to symbolize togetherness soon became a playground for color, surprises, and self-expression. When the tangyuan was served, everyone couldn’t wait to dig in around the kitchen. Chattering about the part they played in making it, and what flavor to make next.

In this home full of care and creativity, even the seemingly mundane daily tasks carry a playful spirit. When washing dishes, for example, the children often turn it into a “relay race.” After rinsing the dinner plates, one child will sort the cleaned bowls, then hand them to another to load the dish dryer. Repeat the process a few times, and it’s done! What might otherwise feel like a chore becomes a game of shared accomplishment.

These day-to-day interactions are rooted in a deeper, ongoing structure. Each week, children take part in regular after-school math or block-building programs. These programs were designed specifically to facilitate core skills like logical thinking, spatial awareness, and social-emotional learning. With guidance from trained educators and support from little “teaching assistants,” children with ADHD, emotional challenges, or learning gaps can develop confidence through a creative, hands-on pedagogical approach.

Still, some of the most meaningful growth happens outside the classroom—in the small moments of life. Whether it’s agonizing over forming the perfect rice balls or passing dishes down the line, these moments are more precious because they weren’t in the curriculum. Instead, it’s a showcase of the central values nurtured by caregivers in Agape Children’s Home.

These experiences are building blocks for a stronger sense of self. And they’re only possible with consistent, caring support. When you give to Agape Children’s Home, you’re investing in more than our programs. You’re giving a child the chance to feel capable, valued, and at home.

Donate today—help more children grow up with confidence and care.

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