Music is no longer a distant luxury but a beacon of hope that accompanies rural children on their journey of growth and ignites their dreams.
Deep in the mountains of Yuping Dong Autonomous County, Guizhou Province, the melodious sound of bamboo flutes echoes from the music classroom of Xinglong Primary School. This transformation is the result of the "Music Class in the Mountains" project, funded by China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. (600016.SH) and implemented by the Guizhou "Walk for Love" Public Service Center.
**The Longing in the Mountains: From Scarcity to Musical Beginnings** Xinglong Primary School is located in Zhujiachang Town, Yuping County, surrounded by picturesque yet remote mountains. Economic underdevelopment has led to a scarcity of educational resources, making professional music education a distant dream for the children here.
Change began with the convergence of multiple efforts. In 2018, the "Music Class in the Mountains" project planted the seeds of music in rural schools like Xinglong Primary. A pivotal moment came in 2024 when the project received funding from the "ME Innovation Plan" (referred to as the "ME Plan"). The funds were strategically allocated to expand and upgrade the music classrooms.
Before the ME Plan’s support, music activities were confined to corners of regular classrooms, relying on a handful of outdated instruments. After the funding, a professional music classroom was established, equipped with multimedia teaching systems and ample instruments, creating an immersive learning environment for the children. The space became more spacious and better equipped, accommodating more students simultaneously.
**Beina’s Transformation: Confidence Nurtured by Music** The story of Beina (a pseudonym), a fourth-grade student, epitomizes the project’s impact. Living with her grandfather and twin sister, she was once introverted and lacked confidence due to her family circumstances. Music opened a new door for her.
Teacher Yang, the head of Xinglong Primary’s bamboo flute club, recalls, "Beina was very shy when she first joined the club, but her eyes sparkled with curiosity." Learning the bamboo flute was no easy task—mastering fingerings and rhythm posed challenges for beginners. Yet, with systematic training and improved practice conditions under the ME Plan, Beina demonstrated perseverance and talent. Today, she can skillfully play pieces like "Farewell."
From trembling with nervousness during her first performance to confidently guiding younger students in fingerings and techniques, Beina’s eyes now reflect determination and brightness. Music has become more than a skill—it is a bridge for self-expression and confidence-building.
Since receiving ME Plan funding in March 2024, over 300 students at Xinglong Primary, including 12% left-behind children, have directly benefited. Participation in music clubs has significantly increased.
**Empowering Educators: From Personal Conviction to Professional Support** The sustainability of the project hinges on the dedication and growth of rural teachers. Teacher Yang, a beneficiary of music education herself (inspired by her mother’s folk songs), returned to her hometown with the belief that "music can change children." However, challenges abounded: rural schools face teacher shortages, forcing her to juggle subjects like science, which limited the depth and breadth of music education.
The ME Plan provided critical support for teachers like Yang: - **Systematic Training:** The project established an online-offline teacher development platform. Teacher Yang attended three offline workshops led by experts from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and completed 86 hours of online coursework, covering advanced teaching methodologies and instrument techniques. - **Enhanced Teaching Skills:** The training addressed her early teaching struggles. She learned engaging and effective teaching methods, boosting classroom interaction and student interest. "Seeing the children enjoy learning is the most rewarding feeling," she said. - **Expanded Teaching Horizons:** With professional support and equipment, Teacher Yang introduced instruments like hand drums and flutes to club activities, enriching students’ artistic experiences.
She reflects, "In the digital age, children face academic pressure and diminishing childhood joys. Music classes and clubs offer a vital alternative to screen time, fostering healthy interests." Her club’s performances have become highlights of school events like Children’s Day celebrations.
**Beyond Infrastructure: The ME Plan’s "Six-in-One" Ecosystem** The "Music Class in the Mountains" initiative in Yuping County goes beyond mere hardware donations. With the ME Plan’s systematic support, the project has developed a unique "six-in-one" model to build a sustainable county-wide music education ecosystem: 1. **Music Space Construction:** ME Plan funding addresses core venue and equipment needs (foundation). 2. **Teacher Empowerment:** Online-offline training, workshops, and learning platforms enhance rural music teachers’ expertise (core driver). 3. **Music Classroom Implementation:** Ensures regular, high-quality music classes (main platform). 4. **Club Activities:** Bamboo flute clubs, hand drum groups, etc., provide personalized, in-depth learning and performance opportunities (extension). 5. **Campus Music Culture:** Events like Children’s Day performances and online concerts integrate music into school life (atmosphere). 6. **County-Wide Network:** Facilitates inter-school collaboration and resource sharing, creating regional synergy (expansion).
**Growing Together, Illuminating the Future** "Rural children need not just temporary aid but lasting companionship," reflects the project’s founders—a philosophy aligned with the ME Plan’s core vision. The bamboo flute club at Xinglong Primary has become a hallmark of the school, nurturing students’ artistic growth, confidence, and sense of responsibility.
Through its unique power, music is opening an artistic window to a brighter future for children in the mountains, planting seeds of hope in their hearts.
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