With a mission to revitalize education and agriculture, a 23-member youth volunteer team from Tianjin University, under the theme of “Jin-Liu Connected, Embracing the Future,” traveled nearly 1,000 kilometers to Liuhe County in Jilin Province. During a 13-day social practice program, the team integrated classroom teaching with field investigation, putting into practice the university’s motto of “Seeking Truth from Facts.”
At Changqing Primary School, the team organized the eighth annual Science Camp, combining scientific exploration with character education to inspire more than 100 children. Students engaged in hands-on experiments such as creating density rainbow bottles and building mechanical towers, sparking curiosity and creativity. Role-playing activities helped children develop teamwork and problem-solving skills, while a “Global Perspective” session modeled after the Model United Nations format encouraged them to debate issues such as endangered species conservation and access to education in underserved areas. These activities broadened their horizons and nurtured global awareness.
In the rural fields of Liuhe, the team explored local agricultural revitalization through the renowned “Liuhe Three Treasures.” At the Yunling Wild Ginseng Base, they observed how traditional cultivation and ginseng-related narratives are being integrated into educational tourism, adding cultural and economic value to local heritage. At a volcanic-rock paddy farm, local entrepreneur Guan Yanli, known as “Rice Sister,” demonstrated how scientific methods improve soil nutrition and rice quality while promoting agricultural products through social media, exemplifying the role of innovation in rural development.
The 13-day journey provided Tianjin University students with valuable insights into community service and rural revitalization. They returned with renewed dedication to national development, while leaving behind in Liuhe sparks of scientific curiosity and a spirit of exploration among local children. The “Jin-Liu Connection” stands as a vivid example of how youthful energy can contribute to education, agriculture, and the sustainable future of rural communities.
By: Qin Mian