Kids camp broadens horizons
7-day program aims to empower the children of sanitation workers
Chang Tianhao recently built a model snow plow — about 10 centimeters high and 26 cm long — for his parents, who are sanitation workers in Beijing.
“I don’t like snow, because my mom and dad don’t come home on time. With the snow plow, they can finish their work efficiently and get back early to be me,” he said.
Chang, 10, was one of 20 participants, aged between 6 years old and 15, selected to join a seven-day camp in August organized by Huaxia Bank Co Ltd.
The camp was part of the Beijing-based bank’s commitment to empower the children of sanitation workers. Using a fund set up in 2014, the bank partners with Caixin Media Co Ltd and the Beijing Women & Children Development Foundation to organize themed camps every year.
This year, the students learned a lesson each day and took part in a group project. Topics included physics, astronomy, geography and biology.
“These participants were persistent and resilient when working on their projects, and they improved their ability to innovate and cooperate with each other. The seven-day camp has broadened their horizons, enriched their knowledge and made them think more clearly about their future,” said Zhai Chuanlian, secretary-general of the Beijing Women & Children Development Foundation.
Fu Jihong, vice-president of Caixin Media, said: “Such activities are not just meant to teach students knowledge, but to enhance their interest in technologies. By opening a window for them, sunlight shines upon them. They can see a different world and embrace more possibilities.”
In China, the number of sanitation workers has declined in recent years, partly due to technological advances. The exact number nationwide is not known. In Nanjing alone, the capital city of Jiangsu province, there are 15,000 sanitation workers, according to cn-hw.net, an information provider for the sanitation industry.
Fewer people, especially young people, are willing to work in a low-income environment.
To unleash the potential of the next generation, the program teaches students cutting-edge technologies and enhances their hands-on experience. In the past five years, the program has involved children from more than 600 households in Beijing.
Candidates were sponsored to visit the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the National Art Museum of China, the Palace Museum and Beijing TV Station. Some had the opportunity to display their creative works in the Forbidden City, while some exhibited photographs.
“Huaxia Bank has supported this charitable project for five consecutive years to unleash the potential of the children of sanitation workers. The initiative requires joint efforts of multiple parties so it can be sustainable and fruitful,” said Zhu Guoxiao, deputy director of the bank’s general office.
“The program has had a tremendous effect on the next generation of sanitation workers,” said Guan Zhengyu, deputy secretary-general of the Beijing Association of City Appearance and Environmental Sanitation. “In the past five years, we have witnessed the growth of these children.”