Empower Rural China Students - 21st Century Skills

Project Overview

The Yunnan Tengchong Rural Community Parenting & Child Development Program, implemented by the Yunnan Representative Office of the Federation of Associations Connected to the Humana People to People Movement (Switzerland), aims to promote the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children aged 0-4 in rural communities. By establishing Parenting & Play Centers, conducting caregiver training, and organizing home visits. This project aims to establish a village-level early childhood education system for rural preschool children, ensuring they are not left behind by their urban peers. Currently, two centers are fully operational in Sanlian Village and Xinglong Village, benefiting children and families with structured daily activities, expert guidance, and community support.

Detailed Progress & Achievements

1. Daily Activities at the Parenting & Play Centers

The centers follow a carefully designed daily schedule that balances structured learning, free play, and caregiver engagement. Below is an expanded breakdown of key activities:

• 9:00–9:30 AM: Happy Welcome
  Children arrive and undergo a brief health check while caregivers receive guidance.

"The ‘Happy Welcome’ time sets a positive tone. Mothers of younger babies especially appreciate the one-on-one advice on feeding and stimulation." — Zhou Yanli, PPI (Parenting and Play Instructor, Sanlian Village)

• 9:50–10:20 AM: Structured Developmental Activities
  Activities target five key areas:
• Physical movement (e.g., crawling games, balance exercises)
• Social-emotional skills (e.g., sharing, expressing feelings)
• Language & communication (e.g., storytelling, singing)
• Art & sensory play (e.g., finger painting, texture exploration)
• Self-care habits (e.g., handwashing, tidying up)

"The ‘Five Senses Art’ session is a favorite! Kids love touching different materials, and parents are amazed at how it boosts their curiosity." — Zhang Rongchun, PPI (Xinglong Village)

• 10:30–11:10 AM: Outdoor Play & Sunbathing
  Children engage in group games, sand play, or simple exercises while caregivers observe and participate. Sunbathing (10–15 minutes) helps prevent vitamin D deficiency.
• 12:10–12:40 PM: Scientific Parenting Session
  Caregivers learn about child nutrition, positive discipline, and early brain development through interactive discussions and demonstrations.

"I never knew responding to a baby’s babbling could speed up language learning. Now I talk to my grandson more intentionally." — Elderly caregiver (Xinglong Village)

• 12:50–1:30 PM: Free Exploration & Music Time
  Children choose activities such as block-building, doll play, or musical instruments, fostering independence and creativity.

2. Caregiver Training & Home Visits

• Monthly Workshops: Topics include hygiene, early literacy, and managing tantrums.

"The ‘Positive Discipline’ workshop changed how I handle my child’s meltdowns—less yelling, more understanding!" — Duan Ruting (Sanlian Village parent)

• Home Visits (40/month): PPIs address individual challenges (e.g., speech delays, malnutrition) and provide tailored advice.

3. Impact on Children & Families

• Improved Social Skills:

"My son used to hide behind me. Now he greets friends and teachers confidently!" — Sanlian Village parent

• Health & Hygiene Awareness:

"After the ‘Germs & Handwashing’ demo, my granddaughter reminds me to wash my hands before meals!" — Xinglong Village grandparent

4. Community Engagement

• Local Collaboration: Village leaders assist in mobilizing families and maintaining center facilities.
• Cultural Integration: Traditional songs and games are incorporated into activities.

Plans for the Remainder of 2025

1. Expand Reach: Open a third center in a neighboring village (pending funding).
2. Enhanced Training: Introduce trauma-informed care for left-behind children.
3. Parent Support Groups: Monthly peer-sharing sessions to reduce isolation.

Voices from the Ground

• A Grandparent’s Reflection:

"At first, I thought this was just a ‘playgroup.’ But now I see my grandson counting, singing, and even helping me sweep—all learned at the center!"

• A PPI’s Vision:

"These children might one day become teachers, doctors, or leaders. We’re planting the seeds today." — Zhou Yanli

Conclusion

The project’s holistic approach—combining education, health, and community empowerment—is transforming lives in Tengchong’s villages. With continued support, we can ensure every rural child thrives. Evergreen Education Foundation funding has made it possible to begin this innovative childhood development project for rural children.

Evergreen Education Foundation is funding parenting and play centers in Xinglong and Sanlian villages, Mazhan Township,  Tengchong City, Yunnan Province, China, aiming to enhance early learning for rural children (ages 0-4). The project funding supports providing a local parenting and play center in each village, identifying and training a local teacher, and establishing grassroots community village parents’ committees to participate in planning and conducting appropriate development programs and activities. Nearly 40 percent of China's rural children are at risk of early development delays. Research has identified key factors contributing to early childhood development delays, which are poor or inappropriate parenting practices in early nutrition, early stimulation, and a nurturing family environment.  Without appropriate intervention, young children, 0-4 years old, will miss the most important period of life development: due to inadequate early child development, they may not have the skills and knowledge to thrive in China's economy. This project will run from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2026 (24 months), covering 60 children.  Evergreen will receive reports every six months: the first of the six-month updates is included as additional documentation.

The Early Childhood Project is based on research, discussed in several publications, including: Invisible China: How the urban-rural divide threatens China's rise by Scott Rozelle and Natalie Hell (University of Chicago Press, 2020); China's Invisible Crisis: Cognitive Delays among Rural Toddlers and the Absence of Modern Parenting, The China Journal, v. 78, July 2017  (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/692290); China - Yunnan Early Childhood Education Innovation Project (English). Washington, D.C. : World Bank Group. ) http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/841671656601372539 ), and Guidelines for Healthy Raising and Care of Infants and Young Children Under 3 Years Old (Trial): (https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-11/29/content_5729421.htm )

• 2025_Spring_UTF8SPCD_TC_EEF_Caregiver_baseline__for_public.pdf (PDF)
  
• 2025_Spring_UTF82406_2412_SPCD_TC_EEFfor_publicen.pdf (PDF)