Chengdu, Sichuan Province, has a "Self-improvement Art Troupe Blind Band", most of the members are visually impaired.
Zhang Shiwei, 76, the founder of the Chengdu Mutual Aid Association for the Visually Impaired, was blinded by an accident when he was 30 years old. Later, he learned massage for the blind and opened a massage parlor to promote the employment of the visually impaired. At the beginning of 2013, Zhang Shiwei established the Chengdu Mutual Aid Association for the Visually Impaired with the support of the visually impaired and caring people, and most of the members are visually impaired people who have lost their sight in the middle of the journey. Soon, the "Self-improvement Art Troupe for the Blind Band" was also established, and Zhang Shiwei's massage parlor became a rehearsal place for the band.
Although Zhang Shiwei, who loves music, does not know how to play musical instruments, he will accompany everyone during rehearsals, and his wife Feng Yiping will also prepare lunch for everyone with volunteers to ensure that they are safe. Most of the income from the massage parlor is invested in the art troupe, which is used to buy musical instruments, costumes and vehicles, as well as daily performances and rehearsals.
"Music was my only hobby in my old age." Musician Li Jianzhong has congenital cataracts and is a member of the band's "veteran", "Because he also has eye diseases, he knows that it is not easy for the visually impaired, and Chairman Zhang's selfless dedication is touching." ”
Thanks to everyone's efforts, this band, with an average age of more than 60 years old, has gained support and recognition from all walks of life. Zhang Shiwei said: "It is my most satisfying thing for blind friends to have the opportunity to go into the society and gain a sense of achievement. ”
This is the rehearsal scene of the "Self-improvement Art Troupe Blind Band" filmed on May 6. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On May 6, Zhang Shiwei (back left) listened to the rehearsal of the "Self-improvement Art Troupe Blind Band". Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On May 6, Zhang Shiwei (right) and his wife Feng Yiping set off for the hotel to communicate the details of the anniversary performance. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On April 15, Feng Yiping (right) and family volunteers from the Chengdu Mutual Aid Association for the Visually Impaired prepare lunch for the band members. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On May 13th, the members of the "Self-improvement Art Troupe Blind Band" performed at the anniversary celebration. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On May 17, Zhang Shiwei read at home. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
This is a photo of Zhang Shiwei (front row, fourth from right) remade on April 15 and the massage parlor clerks back then. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On May 13, before leaving for the anniversary, Zhang Shiwei contacted the details of the scene at home. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On May 13, before leaving for the anniversary, Zhang Shiwei (first from left) and members of the association had breakfast at home. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On April 15th, the band's conductor Wang Cunda explained the details of the performance. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On May 6, Zhang Shiwei (second from left) and his wife Feng Yiping (second from right) communicated with the hotel manager about the details of the anniversary performance. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
This is an imposition photo of some members of the "Self-improvement Art Troupe Blind Band". Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On May 13th, the members of the "Self-improvement Art Troupe Blind Band" prepared to perform on stage. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie
On May 13, Zhang Shiwei took a car to the anniversary celebration site with the help of volunteers from Chengdu Lei Feng Racing Team. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xu Bingjie