The Light of Public Welfare Illuminates the Path of Hope for Rural Education
In this season filled with warmth and affection, a quiet current of love gently flew into the campus of Sun Jiyuan Hongbo School in Luyi County, Henan Province.
Once again, Stepping Stones partnered with Equinix (China) Investment Co., Ltd. to launch a unique rural teaching support initiative, bringing a fresh and inspiring array of classes to all the children in the school – a feast of knowledge and dreams!
The connection between Stepping Stones and Hongbo School began in 2014. Since then, Stepping Stones’ volunteer teaching activities, primarily focused on English, were introduced to the school. Principal Liu Hua of Hongbo School joyfully said, “When the Stepping Stones’ volunteers reach here, the world comes to us.”
Where the Seeds of Education Take Root and Blossom
During the three-day rural volunteering trip, volunteer teachers, each skilled in different fields, used their passion and expertise to open doors to new worlds for the children.
Volunteer teachers, Anna Hao and Jing Ying Li, led the children on a journey through the ocean of English with their lively picture book lessons, “My Clear Little Monster” and “The Spontaneous Trip”. Through these stories, they sparked the children’s curiosity about the unknown world.
Volunteer teacher Seven Wang helped the children better understand themselves and learn emotional management through activities like “The Characteristics of Emotions” and “Drawing My Self-Awareness Tree”. Meanwhile, Volunteer teacher Wenyue Gong brought a financial literacy course, encouraging the children to explore their strengths and lay a solid foundation for their future.
Volunteer teacher Jammie Lin’s mindfulness class taught the children how to set and stick to their own “flags”, while volunteer teacher Zexuan Fan introduced cutting-edge knowledge of artificial intelligence and computer science, quietly planting the seeds of technology in the children’s hearts.
A Duet of Technology and Emotions
It is particularly worth mentioning that during Volunteer teacher Frank Gao’s classess, he not only provided an in-depth analysis of the characteristics of emotions but also thoughtfully explained the significance of travel. He took the children on a fascinating journey of discovering the United States and Spain.
Volunteer teacher Anni Chen, with great creativity, used VR technology to provide the children with an immersive experience, allowing them to feel the unique charm of the blending of virtual and reality, giving wings of technology to their dreams.
Volunteer teacher TK went above and beyond, thoughtfully organising activities to encourage individual talents, and exercises for left-right brain coordination. This allowed each child to learn knowledge with joy, while growing and transforming through challenges.
The smooth progression of every activity during this rural volunteering trip was made possible by the meticulous planning of the event organisers, Stepping Stones, and the selfless dedication of the accompanying Stepping Stones staff, Teddy. In addition, Teddy, with his unique personal charm and consistent patience, personally taught the fundamentals of Scratch programming course.
Amidst laughter and the pursuit of knowledge, the children whole heartedly embraced the fruitful learning. At the same time, they deeply felt the sincere warmth and thoughtful care from all sectors of society.
Stepping Stones, Paving the Way to a Brighter Future
Since its establishment, Stepping Stones has been dedicated to building bridges of knowledge and dreams for children in rural areas. This collaboration with Equinix (China) Investment Co., Ltd. once again demonstrates the power of corporate social responsibility and the beautiful vision of combining charity with education.
Let us move forward together, continuing along this road filled with love and hope, to light the lighthouse of the heart for more children, and let the light of knowledge shine in every corner!