Shanghai: First time at the Bund, this is great!

Migrant children are a group that has been marginalized in urban areas. While they live with their families in the city, they encounter many adversities in assimilating and breaking into the city. In recent years, as school infrastructures for children of manual laborers improved, issues facing migrant children such as civil education level, assimilation, psychological barriers are becoming more evident. Research showed that as these children are preoccupied with their perceived differences from normal children, they may develop an unhealthy view of the society, affecting their adolescence development adversely.

The Sunshine Project aims at promoting the collaboration of urban schools and workers' schools, sending educators from urban schools to host extracurricular classes for migrant children, forming Sunshine Groups which promote assimilation of urban and migrant children through interactive and colorful activities.

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Beginning in June of 2012, 1600 migrant children along with 2000 volunteers in 53 provinces took part in the "Sunshine Project – Uncover the City" event. The event was divided into two parts – city simulation and city on-ground. The education and practical experiencing of the urban settings greatly helped migrant children assimilate into city life, promoted their healthy growth along the way.

Uncover the City classes offer lessons that reflect factual knowledge about the city and practical urban living aspects, and utilize interactive teaching techniques to let children learn how to survive and grow in the city. Volunteers from different regions simulate the running of urban institutions such as banks, postal offices, hospitals, subways to invite students to participate and challenge their thinking, while building a foundation for practical living.

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Through on-site experiencing, the students learn about the history, culture, and living quality of their cities, adding practical values to their capabilities in learning and assimilating into the society. Each region highlights its own unique qualities, and designs special programs for children to experience. The benefits and results are evident in many of the children, as they show more confidence and willingness to adopt the urban life.

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Committee of Socialist Youth Shanghai Deputy Secretary Xu Weiwan: "The event is meaningful for both children and adults, and I was moved by how involved the volunteers are."


Li Yuheng from Shanghai Fengyan Fuzhi Primary School: "I used to be very shy, and didn't know how to make new friends. But after encouragement from the volunteer, I became better at talking to foreigners in Shanghai. It's not that difficult after all!"
Hou yanwen from the Zheng Xianglu No.2 Primary School in Zhengzhou, Henan: "Through this event, I learned to solve problems by thinking through it, or work closely with other students. We also toured the museum, and got to see a lot!"
Luo Xin from Sanming Qunying Primary School, Fujian: "I learned new skills that are necessary for city life, such as shopping groceries, ordering food at restaurants, and taking public transportations."

Parents of Ma Yige: "Our daughter learned about the daily errands of adults. She told me afterwards that it's tough to be a grown-up, and now she can empathize with me better"
Parents of Mao Pengbin: "My son was very excited when he told me about the activity. He learned the value of teamwork, and cooperating with other children. I look forward to more activities like this for him!"

Hu Meng: "Although the day went by quickly, the children and I became close. I teared up when they asked me if this would be the last time I'll visit them. I said that I will definitely come back…"
Wu Haixue: "I want to thank ACF for this opportunity. I will always remember the joy I shared with the children"
Zhu Pei: "This is my first ever volunteer work, and it moved me. I will take part in more such activities in the future."