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Weiqiao Central Primary School of Xiuning, Anhui


Weiqiao Central Primary School holds a very special place in my heart. This was the only school my colleague, Chris, and I actually had a major role in the selection to support and fund. All the other schools had been chosen by the foundation. In a way, Weiqiao Primary school is our baby. Chris and I first visited the school on March 2014 to establish relationship and see the feasibility of supporting the school. We both felt very strong that the school was a good fit for YCIS. The foundation committed in supporting the school to rebuild a single story section of their classroom building into a 3-story building. This would add much needed classrooms.

These are some of the unique features that drew us to support it. One was the school was in a very rural area that was growing and the school needed to grow to meet the demands. The location provided a wealth of opportunities for our teams to experience cultural learning in the nearby ancient towns well known throughout China. It is also near the most famous mountain in China, Yellow Mountain.

Weiqiao’s Transformation Through the Years

  • March 2014:

    Our first visit to the school

  • March 2014:

    Original Gate with official names

  • September 2014:

    Construction began soon after our 1st team visit with the demolition of the single story building.

  • October 2014:

    Foundation work begins

  • October 2014:

    Foundation work continues

  • October 2014:

    Foundation Completed

  • November 2014:

    New classroom building goes up

  • November 2014:

    The 2nd floor is added

  • November 2014:

    The pouring of concrete on roof as final step

  • February 2015:

    New 3 story classroom is completed

  • May 2015:

    New gate with YCIS and YW Seeds of Hope Plaque

  • March 2014:

    Field, kindergarten classroom, kitchen and residence

  • November 2015:

    Kitchen and Residence building being rebuilt

  • May 2016:

    Kitchen and Residence new building completed

  • February 2017:

    New kindergarten classroom completed

  • November 2018:

    Transformation of the field, kindergarten and Residence hall completed

  • November 2018:

    Aerial shot of the school

  • May 2019:

    Aerial photo of the school and surrounding village

Activities with Primary students

Primary Students Activities

Our teams of secondary teachers and students provide a unique flavor of different activities according to their field of teaching. The primary students were exposed to a myriad of different activities that they would otherwise never experience. Browse through these photos to see what our teams did.

Kindergarten Activities

Kindergarten Activities

While our student team members consisted of high school students, we felt a need to include teachers from the primary and kindergarten departments so that they would have activities geared towards the kindergarten. The students' smiles and enthusiasm showed how much they enjoyed it. They had never done nor do again many of these activities. Browse through these and be prepare to put a smile on your face.

Xiuning Community

Xiuning Farming Community

One thing never ceases to amaze me is how content people seem to be when they have very little and have to work very hard. I brings great joy meeting the villagers that make up the community surrounding the school. It helps me appreciate what I have.

A time to Sow and a time to Reap

A time to sow

Sowing and Harvesting

One of the benefits of visiting the school at different times of the year is seeing the farmers work the land in sowing and in harvesting. We also see spectacular beauty of the land.

Parents Participate

Mr. Chen

Parents Participate

The enthusiasm from parents and their children to join our trips was overwhelming. SoH could not exist without their donations. These trips provided them a chance to see the impact they have had. Make sure you view to the end to see the length a parent went to teach them something very special.

Serving the School

Giving gifts to students

Serving the School

One of the goals for our trips was to carry out some service projects that would help the school and community. YCIS helped fund several projects like kindergarten furniture and A/C units. We also donated play structure and gave stationary goodie bags.

Eye Testings

Eye testing

Eyes Get tested

YCIS partnered with Mifan Mama charity organization to provide eye testings for each student. They arranged all necessary equipments and follow-up for those students with more serious eye conditions. Students received their glasses after they were made.

School Lunch

School Lunch

Lunch Time

Most of these rural schools do not have cafeterias. The lucky ones were able to cook rice and some dishes. After the school got renovated, they were able to provide complete lunch to everyone.

One student’s journey through the years

胡文慧 Hu Wen Hui's journey through the years

胡文慧 Hu Wen Hui's journey

In every school we have visited, I happen to capture a photo of one particular students on each trip （mostly by accident). I happened to capture this student， 胡文慧 Hu Wen Hui, on every trip we made to the school. As a result, I recorded her growth. She had always been friendly and eager to participate.