Our Mission
Half the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for orphaned children in China. We establish and operate infant nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for older children and offer loving permanent family care and guidance for children with disabilities. It is our goal to provide a caring adult in the life of every orphaned child and to ensure the chance for a brighter future.
And How It Guides Us
Neuroscientists have discovered what loving parents have always known—that the experience of forming emotional bonds with an adult is essential for a child’s healthy development.
One-half of all intellectual development potential is established by age four; 75% of development is finalized by age seven.
"There were so many little girls in the orphanage that the staff couldn't handle the volume, so they strapped the toddlers into these little green chairs to prevent them from running around. They didn't do it to hurt the children; it was just simply too much for them to handle. Anyway, those girls would rock and sway in their confines to get some stimulation. Today I look at my daughter and all I can think is 'Thank God she was saved from the little green chairs."
A child’s experiences dictate how her brain is wired. Each stimulus (each kiss, each story, each sunset, each laugh, each hug) promotes the development of brain cells (neurons). 
Holding and stroking an infant stimulates the brain to release important hormones that promote growth.
Individual nurture and attention is as necessary to the orphaned child’s healthy development as is the food, shelter, and medical care provided by the government.
A child who lives her days without being held or touched or talked to often suffers so many developmental delays that by the time she reaches school age, community schools may refuse to admit her.
A child who has never experienced the delicious comfort of looking into the adoring face of a caring adult may be unable to trust enough to forge emotional bonds throughout her life.
A child who has no family has many challenges, especially in China where family is at the heart of the social structure. The words of an ancient Chinese poem may be as true today as when they were written:“To be an orphan…how bitter is this lot.”
For a child who must go out into the world without an education, without family, without confidence, or trust, or ever knowing that what happens to her matters, life can be unspeakably tough.
Still…such a life can be turned around. If we begin early enough, it is easy.