Chongqing - In the height of summer, the "Countryside Assistance" initiative launched a natural learning summer camp, aiming to deepen the connection between rural youth and their heritage through education rooted in nature, agriculture, and local culture. 

The Luhai International Communication Foundation recently invited international volunteers Kuchma Iana from Russia and Lee Jiaen from Malaysia to participate in these activities in Shizhu County and Qianjiang District in Chongqing. Together with local youth, they explored the countryside, participated in nature-based reading activities, and engaged in cultural exchanges to appreciate rural culture and the achievements of rural revitalization.

The Luhai International Communication Foundation recently invited international volunteers Kuchma Iana from Russia and Lee Jiaen from Malaysia to participate in these activities in Shizhu County and Qianjiang District. (Photo/Luhai International Communication Foundation)

Shizhu's "Junior Rural Experience Officers"

The "Junior Rural Experience Officers" program commenced in the Qiaotou Town of Shizhu County as part of the "Countryside Assistance: Natural Learning Summer Camp." The camp utilized nature as a school and the fields as a practice base, helping rural children reignite their capacity for discovery and exploration through immersive natural experiences.

The Luhai International Communication Foundation recently invited international volunteers Kuchma Iana from Russia and Lee Jiaen from Malaysia to participate in these activities in Shizhu County and Qianjiang District. (Photo/Luhai International Communication Foundation)

Over three days and two nights, international volunteer Kuchma Iana joined the children in creating field journals, crafting playful poems, and participating in various activities like field exchanges, picking water shield plants, and auctioning them. Through interactions with nature and each other, the children gained a deeper understanding of their hometown and developed a stronger sense of belonging. They also broadened their horizons by engaging with international volunteers.

Iana said that such camps are essential for rural children, whose summer activities might otherwise be limited and monotonous due to a lack of extracurricular opportunities. She believes these activities not only enrich the children's summer experiences but also foster a sense of cultural identity and appreciation for rural life.

Qianjiang's public welfare classroom

In Qianjiang’s Lizi Village, international volunteers Iana and Lee participated in a nature-themed summer camp titled "Three Meals, Four Seasons." This camp offered a blend of classroom and outdoor experiences, expanding the rural youth’s knowledge beyond traditional academic learning. They learned about traditional and farming cultures through agricultural education, rediscovering fundamental agricultural skills.

The Luhai International Communication Foundation recently invited international volunteers Kuchma Iana from Russia and Lee Jiaen from Malaysia to participate in these activities in Shizhu County and Qianjiang District. (Photo/Luhai International Communication Foundation)

International volunteers introduced children to everyday grains and crops through drawings, pictures, and videos in the science classroom. They also explained the history of kites and led the children in creating kites inspired by the "Three Meals, Four Seasons" theme. After class, Iana and Lee took the children to the fields to teach them about different vegetables, including their appearance, planting and harvesting seasons, and picking methods.

Beyond structured activities, the international volunteers also conducted home visits, conversing with the children and offering homework guidance. Their participation enriched the rural youth’s summer with fun and diversity, broadening their worldview.

Reflecting on her experience, Lee wrote, "This camp made me realize the importance of public welfare activities and the innocence and enthusiasm of the children. In Qianjiang, I learned and explored alongside the kids, sharing in their joy of growing in knowledge. I deeply feel that education and care can change a person’s future, and this experience will be unforgettable."

Promoting cultural revitalization

The "Countryside Assistance: Reading Program" aims to promote reading among rural communities and contribute to cultural revitalization by encouraging children to discover the beauty of their hometowns through reading. The involvement of international youth volunteers not only opened a window to the world for rural children, exposing them to the richness of diverse cultures but also allowed them to gain a profound understanding of Chinese rural culture. 

Moving forward, Iana and Lee plan to share the beauty of China’s countryside and the stories of Chongqing's public welfare initiatives through their social media platforms and international communication channels.