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Access to knowledge enables children to broaden their horizons, fulfil their potential and transform their lives. In 2018, we supported Sowers Action in the construction of Chuansi Village Arup SA-PH Primary School in Yunnan, southwest China. To further develop the school’s resources, we returned to set up a new library and hosted classes with students in 2019. Stocked the library with over 6,500 books, we are creating a comfortable reading area and fostering a culture for learning.
Project Summary
6500⁺books stocked
400⁺children and teachersbenefited
10classeshosted with the students
In China there is often a disparity between the education offered to children in affluent cities in comparison to their counterparts in rural regions. If left unchecked, this can create a cycle of poverty that sees those in remote areas unable to further develop their communities or move into new fields of employment.
We therefore have been partnering with Sowers Action since 2015 to provide fair and equal education and opportunities in the country. In 2018, we supported Sowers Action in the construction of Chuansi Village Arup SA-PH Primary School in Yunnan, southwest China, which is now attended by over 400 children from nearby villages.
To further develop the school’s resources, we returned to set up a new library and hosted classes with students in 2019. Our Hong Kong Knowledge Centre tailored a book numbering system for easy book ordering and stock control. Within two days, Arup’s volunteers stocked and shelved the library with over 6,500 books.
An inviting reading environment encourages children to read more. With this in mind, we designed the book areas, displays and outdoor areas to create a comfortable reading zone where children can browse through a range of carefully chosen books, read in peace or simply relax.
The carefully designed library showcases the school’s commitment to a culture of learning and reading. This has been highly praised by the local government as a demonstration for other schools in local communities.
To ensure its future resilience, we also held a workshop for teachers and student librarians to show them how to maintain and operate the library and nurture a culture that inspires life-long love of reading.
“I thought establishing a school library within two days would be a mission impossible. But after much preparation, cooperation with working team members, Arup volunteers, local schoolteachers and students, with abundant hope and love, we turned it into a mission both possible and successful. ” Wendy Fung Manager – Information Management
During the visit, we also hosted English, story-telling and photography classes with the students, and distributed jackets as part of the Sowers Action’s donation programme, which provides disadvantaged children in remote areas of China with warm clothing. It was an enjoyable trip of our team who dedicated their time and knowledge towards a worthwhile cause.
