"Every child is sensitive," Pandor said. "I just wanted to build this belief in them that they are not alone."

Tibet has 11 children's homes that offer care for more than 5,400 children. Every child is allocated a monthly allowance of over 1,000 yuan ($144), which is managed by the house mother. They are also entitled to 15 years of free education.

Kelsang Lhundrup no longer plays up. Pandor listens with pride when his teachers heap praise on him. He is not the only child to do well. The family now includes six college graduates, a police officer, a social worker and a helicopter pilot. They send money home to help their "mother" provide for their "brothers and sisters" every month.

Pandor said her birthday last year was one of her favorite memories.

"The kids asked me to go for a walk and kept me away from the house. When I got back, they had thrown a surprise party for me!" Pandor said. "It was at that moment that I knew that becoming their mother was the best decision I have ever made."

Xinhua