On March 21, National Forest Day, a gentle spring breeze swept across the campus of Putong Primary School in Jiading Town, Shanghai, bringing warmth and greenery. The school was bustling with activity as the “Grow with Me” Charity Fair was in full swing. Over a thousand students from grades three to five, affectionately referred to as “Little Lei Fengs,” weaved through the lively booths, spreading kindness with their tiny hands and lighting up the spirit of charity with their innocent smiles.

With the theme “Lei Feng’s Spirit in Our Hearts, Acts of Kindness Nurture Young Souls,” the event cleverly combined the values of service with environmental awareness. Upon entering the venue, one was greeted by rows of colorful booths, the sweet aroma of popcorn, and the joyful laughter of children. The charity sale area was filled with books, stationery, and handmade crafts, each item carrying heartfelt intentions. In front of the booths, little “shopkeepers” energetically called out: “Come and buy! Great deals, and the money goes to kids in Yunnan!” Their eyes sparkled with sincerity, as if they were holding not just goods, but hopes for their peers in distant places.

At the “Green Sprout Lei Feng Initiative” booth run by students from our college’s Social Work program, a group of children were intently crafting succulent plant pots. Their fingers were covered in soil, but their faces beamed with smiles. “Teacher said succulents are like little forests. Planting one is like planting love!” exclaimed an excited fourth-grader. The booth leader explained, “Our motto is: plant the seed of Lei Feng, let flowers of civility bloom; protect the green forest, let young hearts sprout anew. We hope that through hands-on activities, children can experience both the spirit of Lei Feng and the beauty of nature, letting the seeds of public service take root in their hearts.”

The succulents and DIY potted plants at the charity sale quickly became the highlight of the fair. Children gathered around the tables, carefully selecting leaves, matching flower pots, and combining soil, greenery, and creativity with their tiny hands. One child, proudly holding a handmade “Teddy Bear Succulent Pot,” said, “I’m going to donate the money I make so that kids in Yunnan can have beautiful books too!” Nearby volunteers gently guided the children, subtly passing on the concept of “small acts of kindness.” The dried flower sticker and seed giveaway areas were equally popular. Children used colorful dried flowers to create their own designs, and each seed handed out held the potential to grow into a tree—just as each small act of kindness has the power to change the world.

The event attracted nearly a thousand teachers and students. All proceeds from the charity sale will be donated to schools in the mountainous areas of Yunnan to help improve their educational environment. This initiative not only continued the legacy of Lei Feng’s spirit in a modern context but also extended the vision of building a “charitable city” from the campus of Putong Primary School to places far beyond. On-site, student volunteers from the Social Work program demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility—from preparing materials to guiding the event—reflecting the new generation’s commitment to carrying forward the spirit of Lei Feng.

The “Green Sprout Lei Feng Initiative” was like a silent spring rain, nurturing young hearts and awakening kindness in society. When charity meets environmental protection, and the spirit of Lei Feng resonates with Forest Day, this event becomes more than a simple fundraiser—it becomes an enlightening lesson in love and growth.

— Joint Event Between Anting Town Social Work Office and Our University

As golden autumn arrives, the vibrant red leaves signal the Double Ninth Festival once again. On the afternoon of October 11, the Anting Town Social Work Office held a themed event titled “Warmth in Chongyang, Filial Piety First Among Virtues”, along with the “Happiness Through the Seasons” Public Open Day, at the Anting Social Welfare Institute. As representatives of our university’s partner institution, Vice Dean Hao Zhenjin of the School of Art & Design and social work faculty member Lu Feijie attended the event and visited six students currently interning at three local elderly care institutions in Anting Town.

Anting Town Party Committee Member Ye Jun presented the “Love and Care” award to partnering institutions. Deputy Mayor Xie Zuocan issued letters of appreciation to Shanghai Polytechnic Vocational College and Shanghai Urban Construction Vocational College, thanking them for their strong support in talent cultivation, integration of industry and education, and community development in Anting.

The event featured vibrant performances by both staff and residents of the Anfu Welfare Institute. A highlight was the fashion show “Watery Charm of Jiangnan”, performed by the institute’s modeling team and our student interns, which captured the elegance of southern Chinese river towns and received enthusiastic applause.

In the interactive “Mystery Box” activity, resident Grandma Yang Chunying warmly invited Mr. Lu Feijie to join in the fun. He drew a beautifully crafted wool scarf from a box and, in a touching gesture, personally wrapped it around Grandma Yang’s neck — a simple act that reflected deep respect for elders, filling the room with warmth and heartfelt emotion.

Following the performances, a roundtable discussion was held in the second-floor meeting room with attendees including Deputy Mayor Xie Zuocan, Director Tao Ying of the Social Work Office, heads of the Anting, Fangtai, and Huangdu Welfare Institutes, Vice Dean Hao Zhenjin, Mr. Lu Feijie, 10 interns, and faculty and students from Shanghai Urban Construction Vocational College.

Deputy Mayor Xie welcomed all participants and praised the face-to-face discussion as a valuable exchange. He encouraged everyone to share freely and reflect on their experiences.

The ten interns each shared their insights from their practical work, covering areas such as professional skills, reflections on life’s value, and the development of the smart elderly care industry. Two students became emotional while recounting their experiences, showing the profound impact of their work.

The directors of the welfare institutes commended the students for their dedication, compassion, and patience, expressing gratitude to the school for supplying such capable interns. They hoped students would continue to rotate across different roles, gain diverse experience, and grow into key contributors to the elderly care sector.

Mr. Lu Feijie praised the students’ performance and encouraged them to continue learning, pursue certifications, and build strong professional competencies. Vice Dean Hao Zhenjin thanked the government and institutions for providing valuable practice opportunities and praised the students for their logical, professional, and reflective presentations. Director Tao Ying emphasized the significance of end-of-life care and posed the question: “How can we ensure the final stage of an elderly person’s life is longer, broader, and better?” She stressed that eldercare workers must possess empathy, negotiation, leadership, and professionalism.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Mayor Xie applauded the students for having “light in their eyes and love in their hearts.” He noted that although their internships were short, they had already begun to demonstrate deep reflection. He encouraged organizations to treat interns as employees in their work, family in their care, and partners in professional development.

This joint activity showcased the social responsibility and commitment of our university’s Social Work program. Through collaboration between government, academia, and industry, we aim to cultivate high-quality talent, enhance social services for the elderly, and contribute to a more compassionate and supportive society.

Written by: Dai Yaxin, Fu Yuxuan