In a heartfelt reply to volunteer teachers stationed at a remote border school in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, president of the People's Republic of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, praised their dedication and called on all Chinese youth to contribute to the nation's modernization drive.
The group of volunteer teachers, part of a broader push to improve education access in under-resourced areas, has been teaching math, science and language classes to local Uygur students since last year. Their letter detailed early-morning classes, makeshift dorms and the challenges of living hundreds of kilometers from their hometowns.
In his reply, Xi highlighted that China's modernization rests on the shoulders of young people willing to serve where the country needs them most, noting that their energy and creativity can light up every corner of the Chinese mainland.
Data shows that since 2015, over 200,000 volunteers have joined similar programs across the Chinese mainland, supporting initiatives from rural healthcare to environmental protection. This volunteer spirit aligns with global trends as digitally savvy youth worldwide seek meaningful ways to drive social change.
For global citizens everywhere, the message is clear: whether you are coding an educational app in Shanghai or teaching in a mountain village, innovative service can accelerate progress. Bilingual online tutoring, community-driven research and cross-cultural exchanges are just a few ways to make a real impact.
As nations set ambitious modernization goals—from green infrastructure to digital economies—the call to youth resonates beyond borders. Changemakers can harness technology, data and international partnerships to build inclusive, sustainable futures, wherever they are.
Students and professionals keen to contribute should pair passion with purpose: identify a community need, leverage their skills and collaborate with local networks. In this global era, modernization is a collective journey powered by youth initiative and shared vision.
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President Xi urges youth to contribute to Chinese modernization
cgtn.com
