On this weeks voices from other lands, we'll meet the dedicated team behind 'magic hospital'; a Beijing based charity which aims to bring light into the lives of sick and underprivileged children all over the city.

'Voices' met three of the charity's workers, Jean Moennich, Sharon Leong, and lead co-ordinator, Magda The.

The maxim 'Laughter is the best medicine' is certainly put into action by the activities of Magda and co. Begun in 2003 at Beijing ertong yiyuan, china's biggest children's hospital, the charity has helped eased the suffering of hundreds of children.

'We realised that there are lots of very good charities in Beijing and China dealing with the grassroots issues affecting children. But no one else really seemed to be helping children in this way, allowing them just to be children again,' says Magda.

Every week, volunteers from Magic Hospital go to Beijing's hospitals and entertain children during their treatment. Their activities include singing songs, telling stories and even some basic English teaching. What's more, Magic Hospital also has two clowns on their books; providing a new and exciting form of entertainment of the kids!

'It's extremely rewarding, enthuses volunteer Jean Moennich 'I go in and the children are bored and have nothing to do. When I leave again they're smiling, and have happy memories, so I feel I'm definitely helping.'

Although currently a small outfit, the charity are keen to branch out into other activities, such as helping children at a facility for street children in the South of Beijing. They're also on the lookout for new volunteers:

'Helping out at Magic Hospital is something everyone can do,' says Sharon Leong 'We're trying to get as many people as possible to realise that volunteering is really a cool thing to do. Everyone can make a difference to the life of a child.'

And that means you! For more details on how you can be involved with magic hospital contact voices@crienglish.com and we'll put you in touch

Says Magda:
'It doesn't matter if you only have, say, one afternoon a week to spare. If you can help one child, it's enough.'