In an effort to support educational equity, YCIS Shanghai recently embarked on a journey to China's southwestern frontier, bringing warmth and hope across thousands of miles. This initiative aligns with China's national strategy for East-West collaboration and the commitment of Changning District in Shanghai to provide support for this endeavor.

From 30 March to 2 April 2026, Mr Wang Luoqing, Member of the Standing Committee of the Changning District Committee, Head of the United Front Work Department, and President of the Changning Overseas Friendship Association, led a delegation of entrepreneurs from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities to Jinping County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, for counterpart collaboration and inspection. Representing YCIS Shanghai as a member of the delegation, Ms Rachel Zhao from the Institutional Advancement Office (China) conducted in-depth research at Jinping No. 1 Middle School to explore meaningful collaboration opportunities.

Established in 1957, Jinping No. 1 Middle School has long been a cornerstone of local education, and it plays a vital role in the region. The school has a community of more than 4,500 students and teachers; almost 90 per cent are from ethnic minorities. Despite having achieved provincial first-class status in 2022, the school, like many in rural counties, faces challenges such as limited resources and the outflow of its top students. During the visit, the delegation toured the campus to better understand the daily realities and needs of the school.

During the exchange, YCIS Shanghai learned that senior high school students face immense pressure and need an energy boost while preparing for the Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination). YCIS Shanghai quickly took action by signing an agreement to provide "Gaokao Energy Packs", offering both nutritional support and moral encouragement to the graduating class.

This promise was fulfilled on 14 May, during the school's 'Coming-of-Age Ceremony' for the Class of 2026. YCIS Shanghai provided 705 Energy Packs, each containing food such as milk and Snickers bars. These simple yet thoughtful gifts were designed to offer students an energy boost and remind them that they are supported as they head into their exams.

During the ceremony, Principal Xia Lei of Jinping No. 1 Middle School addressed the students, urging them to face the Gaokao with responsibility and to show heartfelt gratitude toward their parents and teachers. As the gifts from YCIS Shanghai were handed out, a palpable sense of warmth and connection filled the sports court.

From the agreement signed in early March to the delivery of supplies in May, YCIS Shanghai put its philosophy of "Aligning with Love and Charity" into action.

Reflecting on this partnership, Dr Esther Chan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (K-12 Education) of YCYW Education Network, sent a message of encouragement to the students of both schools:

"May the friendship that spans mountains and seas give you the confidence to face the future. I hope you will hold on to your dreams, pursue them bravely, and write your own inspiring stories in the vast world ahead."