From June 4th to 7th, 2023, a group of 9 teacher and students from Duke Kunshan University embarked on a meaningful educational support and teaching mission in Atush, Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. Led by Professor Liqi Ren, the Associate Director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative at Duke Kunshan University, the volunteer teaching team consisted of 8 students from three project teams: “Youngsters,” “Houtu Arts,” and “RWCH.” The students participating in the activity were Chirui Liang, Xiaoxi Liu, Hanyang Zhou, Yinan Wang, Chujie Cao, Ruikang Wang, Ketong Han, and Minda Zhao. This volunteer teaching activity injected new vitality into the local education sector while providing valuable practical opportunities for the teachers and students of Duke Kunshan University. Furthermore, it fostered cultural exchange and cooperation between the two regions.
01 Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture No.2 High School
On June 4th, the DKU volunteer teaching team arrived at Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture No.2 High School, where they received a warm welcome from Vice Principal Wendong Tao and teachers from Suzhou who are volunteer teachers in Xinjiang. Vice Principal Tao personally led the DKU team on a campus tour, showcasing the teaching environment and facilities of the school. Following the tour, a friendly basketball match was held between the students of Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture No.2 High School and the DKU volunteer teaching team, fostering a spirited yet amicable competition. After the game, the eight students from Duke Kunshan University entered different classrooms to share their experiences and insights on the college entrance examination with the senior students there. This exchange not only deepened the friendship between the two schools but also provided valuable learning references and inspiration for the students of Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture No.2 High School.
02 Kunshan Yucai School in Atush City
On June 5th, the DKU volunteer teachers visited Kunshan Yucai School in Atush City. During this visit, DKU donated learning supplies to Kunshan Yucai School. Shengcui Gao, the Deputy Secretary of the Party Branch at Kunshan Yucai School, represented the school and presented a donation plaque to Duke Kunshan University.
03 Bositan Elementary School in Shang Atush Town
On June 6th, the DKU volunteer teaching team visited Bositan Elementary School in Shang Atush Town. The team first participated in the “Yinmo Scholarship” award ceremony, led by Lianfeng Ning, the Head of the Suzhou volunteer teaching team. Following the ceremony, the “Houtu Arts” team organized a unique and creative design activity, allowing the recipients of the scholarship to showcase their team strengths and present their innovative cultural shirt designs. The “Youngsters” team brought an engaging and enjoyable “Basic English Writing” class to the fifth-grade students, injecting new energy into their English learning journey. Meanwhile, the “RWCH” team engaged in heartfelt conversations with the sixth-grade students, attentively listening to their thoughts and concerns.
04 Kunshan Second Elementary School in Atush City
On June 7th, the DKU volunteer teachers visited the Kunshan volunteer teaching group in Xinjiang. Ming Li, the Deputy Party Secretary of the Atush Municipal Committee and the Head of the Kunshan volunteer teaching group in Xinjiang, along with other Kunshan volunteer teachers, warmly welcomed them. Ming Li showed keen interest in the recent activities of the DKU volunteer teaching team and highly praised their efforts. He expressed hope that this event would serve as a starting point and looked forward to Duke Kunshan University’s continued support for the educational development in Atush, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. This reception and encouragement further highlight the Kunshan volunteer teaching group’s attention and commitment to the field of education, as well as showcasing the active contributions and developmental vision of DKU in the realm of support and teaching.
