The “Preschools of the Future”project in Zhenkang is implemented by the Poverty Alleviation Office of Zhenkang County and Humana People to People China. The project is funded by various donors, there among China Charities Aid Foundation for Children. From August 2008 to December 2013 the Poverty Alleviation Office started to carry out the first round of cooperation with Humana People To People for the ‘Comprehensive Poverty Alleviation Project ‘ comprising of 3 sub projects: Farmers’ Clubs, Community Development and Preschools of the Future . After the successfully completed project, HPP China chose to continue and expand the preschool project. This second round of cooperation started in 2014 and will end 31st of July 2017.

The main objective of the POF (Preschools of the Future) project is to conduct preschool education in rural areas, thereby giving possibility to early education for rural children. Currently there are 29 preschools in Zhenkang run by Humana People to People in conjunction with the Poverty Alleviation Office.

On the 12th of April 2016, the ambassador of  the "Preschool Education" of China Charities Aid Foundation for Children, the famous female CCTV news presenter Li Na arrived in Zhenkang together with the Assistant Secretary of the Foundation, Wang Yu and the preschool project officer Huang Ting. The delegation furthermore included Li Jiancai a representative from Humana People to People’s Project Service Center. The delegation visited 3 POF (Preschools of the Future) projects as well as some of the children's families. They checked on how the project was being implemented, the children’s education and wellbeing. They also looked at the classroom, the equipment, classroom management and how the Humana People to People staff carried out their responsibilities.
 
The visit started with an introduction given by the Poverty Alleviation Office Party Secretary, Mr. Yang Shuqing at the Humana People to People Project Office. From there the delegation went to Taozizhai preschool followed by a visit to Xiahuyu and Tangshangshui Preschools. During the visit to the three preschools Li Na gave lessons to children. Li Na gave the children vivid and interesting art courses, she began with picture-book stories according to age groups of the children. She gave guidance to the children in preparing pieces of colored paper to collage their imagination and creative designs. In this process there was no right or wrong answer or design, but she let the children have freedom of play and imagination. After class, the children and Li Na came together on the playground for outdoor activities and Li Na led the children in playing games and to do exercises. This made the children very happy.

One of the elders at Taozizhai preschool recommended that Li Na should often come to help the classes whenever she had time. “I love these children, I am a representative of the parents Committee and I hope all of our village children can come to preschool,” said the elder. This sentiment was shared by all the parents when they had discussions with representatives from the Foundation and Humana People to People officers. The parents also shared their sentiments about the state of the classes due to disrepair. The delegation then took a look at the rooms. After checking the condition of the classes the representatives from the Foundation expressed willingness to fund for the renovation.

Group photo with Li Na


Li Na and children


Li Na plays with children


Li Na teaching children art skills


Li Na talks to parent
 

The Project Manager Wu Jiangbo introduces the project to Li Na


Li Na plays games with Children
 

Li Na spends good time with children


Supported by China Charities Aid Foundation for Children