AFD China has been participating in the charity object "Let the Swan Fly” to provide financial support for children in Yanjing Little Swan Public Welfare School and thus improve their learning and living conditions. By providing funds, we help the School purchase sufficient teaching aids, cultural and sports equipment, learning supplies, daily necessities, etc., to ensure that the children have sufficient educational resources.
In 2023, following the pandemic, how was the teaching situation at the School? The School resumed normal operations in spring 2023, with steady progress in educational activities throughout the year. In June of the year, the sixth-grade students successfully graduated from elementary school and actively participated in entrance exams for junior high schools in nearby counties and cities. As a result, several students who were unable to return to their hometowns for attending junior high schools managed to study in junior high schools around Beijing. Other graduating students returned to their hometowns to continue their junior high education. In comparison to 2022, the School engaged in more activities organized by volunteer groups in 2023. These activities broadened the students' perspectives and expanded their thinking.
The School continued its programming outreach activities in rural areas of Henan Province. The activities were carried out in rural schools situated within villages, rather than in the relatively well-equipped county schools. In the "National Youth Information Literacy Competition" held in June 2023, nine rural students they taught made it to the national finals, with eight receiving awards - two first prizes, three second prizes, and three third prizes. Teachers from the School brought relatively high-quality educational resources to children in those under-resourced rural schools, offering them a chance to compete alongside urban children and thus uncovering and showcasing their talents and abilities.
In January 2024, AFD China continued to support the School by providing funds for purchasing necessary supplies. The funds will be used for purchasing textbooks, books, learning materials, teaching aids, sports equipment, food supplies, and covering travel expenses for volunteer teachers during winter and summer breaks. It is hoped that these provisions will enable children to study diligently without any concerns.
When the youth are strong, the country is strong. Young people are the future of our country, and schools are where they are educated and nurtured, serving as crucial places for fostering hope for our country. We hope that through our efforts, these children can have more opportunities, better conditions, and enriching experiences to nurture their minds fully. Our aim is to make them possess healthy spirits, abundant knowledge, and the ability to tackle life's challenges in the future.
Our contributions may seem minimal, perhaps insignificant compared to the dedication of teachers, but we firmly believe that every effort deserves respect, and every bit of assistance should be acknowledged. All efforts collectively weave the wings for the children, ensuring that kindness and love endure perpetually. We are delighted to have everyone's support and companionship in charity activities and eagerly anticipate journeying together with all of you in the future.