Xi's Encouraging Message Inspires Younger Generations to Share Revolutionary Legacies

In a heartwarming event that significantly impacted young generations, recent headlines celebrated the recognition of student docents by none other than Chinese President Xi Jinping. A classroom in Shanghai echoed with joyous enthusiasm as 10-year-old Yan Zhiling and his classmates gathered around after receiving a special letter from the President. Xi's letter was addressed to young members of the Chinese Young Pioneers (CYP) who serve as docents at the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall, marking the vital sites of China's revolutionary history.

Yan Zhiling, who dedicates his time after school to sharing the rich legacy of the CPC, reflected on the delightful moment: “We wrote our letter carefully; receiving Xi's response was like the best gift we could imagine.” His excitement was palpable, demonstrating how deeply the students felt about their involvement with patriotic education. The letter was described as a precious gift coinciding with Children's Day, amplifying the significance of Xi's engagement with youth.

Warm Words of Encouragement

In his letter, President Xi expressed satisfaction upon learning that the student docents have developed a profound love for their country and the socialism it stands for. These young souls, through their endeavours of sharing historical narratives and revolutionary deeds, have not only educated themselves but also inspired their peers. The students, like Yan Zhiling, are passionate about recounting stories about the CPC's early days, and the letter from their leader further kindled their enthusiasm.

Yan's passion for the Party’s history was nurtured by his father’s storytelling, particularly the significant events of the first CPC National Congress in Shanghai in 1921. This familial connection laid a foundational love for the revolutionary accounts that he now shares. Joining the “Honglaba” club, affiliated with his school, Yan became one of many who are dedicated to conveying these narratives to younger audiences.

This club’s initiative facilitates students to tell the history of the Party to child visitors at historical sites, with a focus on making these stories engaging and accessible. After comprehensive training, docents like Yan embark on a journey to enlighten their peers about pivotal moments in Chinese history, showcasing how historical education can be impactful.

A Place for Every Young Voice

Other cities, including Jiaxing, have embraced the initiative. In April, young docents from Shanghai interacted with their peers in Jiaxing, sharing insights about their experiences, all aimed at enhancing their storytelling techniques. These collaborative exchanges underscore the collective determination of youth in nurturing their understanding of the past while kindling a shared sense of purpose.

Excitement filled the air when the engaging reply letter from the President arrived, an event that instilled a sense of pride in these young activists. Fifth-grader Li Ruicheng from the same club expressed, “It’s heartening to know that someone as busy as him cares about us. It motivates us to share more.” Another student, Yan Jiacheng, voiced that the letter embodied the hopes the Party has for the younger generation and amplified their resolve to spread revolutionary stories far and wide.

Letting Children Tell their Stories

The initiative aims to create a nurturing platform for children to narrate Party history to their peers. Recognizing that the traditional methods of storytelling may not resonate with younger audiences, school officials collaborated with professional docents to craft narratives in simpler language. This educational approach has made learning about history relatable for children, as their narratives resonate more meaningfully with other youngsters.

The journey of becoming a student docent has shown profound impacts on the participants, enhancing their public speaking abilities and nurturing their character. Children once timid about presenting are now confident speakers, compellingly sharing the revolutionary spirit embodied in Chinese history. Li, a seasoned docent, remarked on how his duties have transformed his understanding of the Party’s trials, allowing him to connect with history on a personal level.

Committing to the Future

As China commemorates the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, these students play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting revolutionary traditions. Xi’s encouragement emphasizes that the youth must uphold the ideals of the CPC and develop their competence while committed to serving their country. Their voices, rooted in passion and youth, carry forward the legacy of their nation’s historical narratives.

Inspired to continue sharing these impactful stories, various historical sites seek fresh and engaging methods to impart revolutionary history. The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall, for instance, is not just leading traditional tours but also facilitating immersive experiences for its student docents. This novel approach allows youth to embody historical figures, encouraging deeper connections with their nation's legacy.

Additionally, expansion of storytelling methods – including various language adaptations and engaging performance styles – caters to diverse audiences, making history accessible and relatable. The memorial aims to inspire more young voices to join the storytelling movement, creating a pool of enthusiastic narrators eager to relay China’s rich history with sincerity. As Yang Yu, director of the memorial’s publicity department, shares, “This allows children both to embrace their heritage and also to shine as narrators - a future filled with promise.”