(Taipei) Shine Yang, a talented 18-year-old Taiwanese musician, performed a benefit concert for refugee children. He remembered his time as a volunteer with ChinaAid, and his desire to help those who move to America have a future in music.
Jazz Quintet
The concert took place on July 22 in Taishin International Bank Tower in Taipei, Taiwan. Yuan Hall, where Shine has now performed four times, also hosts a nine-foot Steinway grand piano. Taiwan’s Legislative Speaker You Si-Kun attended the concert, which previously aided in the resettlement of the exiled Mayflower Church.
Benefit concert
According to Taipei News, at the end of the program, Shine Yang explained why he wanted to raise money for this specific cause. “I make a lot of friends that are rescued by ChinaAid,” he told the crowd. Shine reflected on his past with music: “I get to have this opportunity because of my parents—they support me. I want to help [refugee] kids have that same experience.”
Working with Refugee Kids
Shine Yang previously volunteered with ChinaAid on numerous occasions, notably at the summer camp for refugee families. The impact of his volunteering drove him to raise money for music scholarships for children who have escaped China.
Trauma
Families that make their way to the United States or any other Western country face a variety of challenges. Not only must they deal with different cultures and languages, but many parents and children endure severe trauma. Chinese human rights lawyer Chen Jiangang told Release International that as he and his small family attempted to flee China, the police held a gun to his son’s head.
Music as a universal language
Shine Yang wrote in his program: “Music is a universal language that not only enriches life experiences but also heals and soothes the stress and trauma of being oppressed.” After having three concerts in the prestigious Yuan Hall, Shine recognized that not every child gets this kind of opportunity. With some financial help, refugee children can have some of the same opportunities.
