The sound of children’s laughter echoes through Tuochuan Township Central Kindergarten in Wuyuan, Jiangxi, where caregiver Jiang Meiling leads interactive games at an early childhood development center. Two-year-old Guogu, who months ago struggled to speak, now cheerfully engages with her grandmother during play sessions – one of many heartwarming transformations witnessed at these rural centers.
Bridging the Urban-Rural Education Gap
Launched in 2022 by the Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation and China Foundation for Rural Development, the “Hui Yu Xi Wang” project addresses the lack of early education services for rural children aged 0-3. Initial skepticism from families (“How can such valuable classes be free?”) gave way to enthusiasm as caregivers like Jiang demonstrated the program’s benefits through home visits and storytelling sessions that captivated both children and their grandparents.
Localized Learning Approaches
In Qiukou Town, caregiver Qi Xuehong incorporates regional elements into her curriculum – from lessons about local chrysanthemum and tea crops to observing the endangered Blue-crowned Laughingthrush birds that winter nearby. Each child’s progress is documented in personalized “growth passports” that record developmental milestones and special moments with parents.
Transforming Generational Parenting
The program has revolutionized childcare concepts among rural families. Parent Ye Wei, who grew up with strict disciplinary methods, now patiently builds blocks and reads stories with his child after learning modern parenting techniques. Across Wuyuan’s 18 centers serving 1,400 children, grandparents study nursery rhymes while young mothers practice guided reading with their toddlers.
National Impact
The initiative has expanded to 127 centers across 19 counties in six provinces, delivering over 470,000 free classes to benefit 16,000 rural children. “Seeing tangible improvements in these children makes our work incredibly meaningful,” said Qin Wei of China Foundation for Rural Development. The program continues to demonstrate how quality early education can level the playing field for rural youth during their most crucial developmental years.
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