Chongqing - On March 31, the "Land-Sea Promise: Reading for Rural Youth" international volunteer program launched in Southwest China's Chongqing, bringing eight young volunteers from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cape Verde, and local Chinese students. 

They aim to bring global perspectives to rural education through picture books and cross-cultural storytelling.

On March 31, the "Land-Sea Promise: Reading for Rural Youth" international volunteer program launched warmly in Southwest China's Chongqing, uniting eight young volunteers from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cape Verde, and local Chinese students. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

The event began with an in-depth reading of Chongqing Speaks, a picture book that vividly portrays the city's transformation and local culture. Volunteers listened attentively, gaining fresh insights into Chongqing's history and heritage. 

One Malaysian student majoring in applied psychology took detailed notes. "The illustrations of Nanshan Golden Eagle, hotpot, bridges, and the Three Gorges are so vivid," she shared. "They helped me understand the unique charm of Chongqing, and I want to share these stories with the children in rural areas."

On March 31, the "Land-Sea Promise: Reading for Rural Youth" international volunteer program launched warmly in Southwest China's Chongqing, uniting eight young volunteers from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cape Verde, and local Chinese students. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

Following this, professional instructor Li Zhou conducted a training session on how to tell picture book stories to children. The workshop covered techniques such as using expressive body language, engaging children with interactive questions, and creating an immersive storytelling experience. Volunteers practised these methods, preparing to bring stories to life for young readers in the countryside.

 "Making stories 'come alive' takes such care," said Vietnamese volunteer Bui Phuong Trang, a Chongqing University education major. "I'll carry these skills into my future classroom."

On March 31, the "Land-Sea Promise: Reading for Rural Youth" international volunteer program launched warmly in Southwest China's Chongqing, uniting eight young volunteers from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cape Verde, and local Chinese students. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

The volunteers eagerly simulated various scenarios, adjusting their tone and using body language, to transform professional knowledge into language children could understand. Notably, this youth team with diverse cultural backgrounds included some with experience supporting children with special needs, while others had been involved in environmental initiatives. They brought their cultural backgrounds and public welfare experiences from different countries, finding new resonance in Chongqing.

 "Chongqing is very different from my city, and I hope to use my own efforts to help rural children see the diversity of the world," shared an international student from Cape Verde. 

The diverse team—including volunteers with experience in special-needs education and environmental activism—practiced animated readings, blending their cultural backgrounds into a shared mission. (Photo/Chongqing Luhai International Communication Foundation)

Through this initiative, international and local volunteers are not only sharing the joy of reading but also weaving cultural connections, enriching rural education with global warmth and creativity.