上海医院将病房变成教室

Children with long-term health issues often have to forego a normal education to concentrate on getting well. But Shanghai Children's Hospital is determined to give these children a better chance and has turned one of its wards into a classroom. Teachers from dozen schools take turns giving weekly classes.

The patients can't go to school, so the schools are coming to them. Eight patients between the ages of five and eight took part in a special English class this afternoon as part of the program called "Rainbow Bay".

Each of them picked an English name, and learned about the meaning behind the names. They also learned some basic math by playing games. The children all need long-term hospitalization due to leukemia or kidney diseases. And for many, TV programs and computer tablets are their only entertainment in hospital.

"It's really fun that the teachers played games with us. I feel lonely here because I don't have friends," said patient Wang Ziyan.

"Life is really dull being in the ward all day. It's really a surprise that we can have a school experience here," said patient Wang Siyu.

Every Tuesday afternoon, volunteer teachers from 12 nearby schools will take turns leading one-hour classes. The classes are designed for three age groups - preschoolers, primary school students and middle school students.

"Different from regular volunteer activities, we hope that teachers can make full use of their professional knowledge. We have four classes at first, English and Chinese reading, math and art. All are in line with the school curriculums. We hope that the children can have the chance to socialize and learn something, rather than being isolated from society," said Wang Zhen, "Rainbow Bay" program director.

The idea to establish "Rainbow Bay" emerged in 2014, when the mother of a girl who had cancer told the hospital's president that her daughter would like to continue her studies while receiving treatment. But medical professionals say the purpose of the program goes well beyond academic achievement.

"We say the state of mind affects one's state of health. When staying in hospital, kids are more likely to experience loneliness, anxiety, and depression. A better mood helps the body build immunity against disease. We also find that in fact, going back to school is on top of many of the children's wish lists," said Yu Guangjun, president of Shanghai Children's Hospital.

Yu says his hospital is looking at expanding the program to serve a more diverse range of patients in the future. He says limited medical resources make it difficult for doctors and nurses to spend more time with children, so they hope to get help from education and social organizations in the future.