Beijing Women's Federation

Carrying the knowledge and “nourishment” gained from a summer filled with cultural enrichment, children and young people in Beijing welcomed the new 2025 academic year. With radiant and energetic smiles, they stepped into their classrooms ready to learn.

Behind these confident, spirited faces lies the profound care of women’s federations at every level. Their efforts have become streams of hope, gently flowing into the hearts of children.

Looking back on the past summer, the Beijing Women’s Federation addressed families’ childcare challenges during the break. This effort was in line with the All-China Women’s Federation’s initiative—“Children’s Hearts Toward the Party: Walking Together, Safeguarding Growth”—for the 2025 summer child care program. By focusing on nurturing children’s red revolutionary spirit, enhancing their physical and mental well-being, fostering digital literacy, and supporting holistic development across five educational dimensions, the federation carefully planned and guided districts in implementing a series of summer care initiatives. These programs ensured that children enjoyed a healthy, safe, joyful, and meaningful vacation.

Red Education Inspiring Young Hearts

Deepening Patriotism and Party Affection

By emphasizing ideological guidance, the federation fostered in children a deeper love for the Party and the country.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. To commemorate this milestone, the Beijing Women’s Federation organized red themed study tours. These tours integrated patriotic education with experiential learning to pass on the revolutionary spirit. These activities aimed to broaden children’s horizons while instilling the values of patriotism, diligence, and aspiration in their hearts. In doing so, they nurtured the children into well-rounded youth in the new era.

On August 2, at the Audio-Visual Space of Wartime Family Letters in the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, children read aloud heartfelt letters filled with loyalty to both family and country. Through these moving words, they directly experienced the unwavering convictions and selfless sacrifices of revolutionary predecessors. This encounter left them deeply inspired.

This scene was among many from the “Remember History, Cherish Peace” red study tour organized by the municipal federation.

Similarly, in Shijingshan District, the Women’s Federation utilized its “District Family Education Service Map” to lead parent-child groups to the local archives. Through immersive activities, children explored the history of their hometown and internalized red values. These activities also deepened their sense of commitment to both family and nation, nurturing the inner drive essential for their growth.

In Huairou District, the federation launched a themed practice program called “Red Board Games.” In this program, children learned about wartime history through interactive activities such as reading letters from wartime families and performing short historical plays. The federation also organized visits to military history museums and fire brigades, engaging local youth in experiential learning. These initiatives instilled a deep love for the Party and the nation in the children. They also inspired them to carry forward revolutionary traditions and inherit the red gene.

This summer, the Women’s Federation of Pinggu District organized 20 child-centered care and support activities. Leveraging distinctive cultural resources, they introduced four major program modules. These included Science Popularization Courses, which guide children to explore scientific mysteries and spark their interest in science; Intangible Cultural Heritage Courses, offering hands-on engagement with traditional culture to nurture cultural confidence; and Family Tradition Courses, designed to nurture children’s moral character and sense of family responsibility while passing on valuable family values.

These courses were delivered through a “menu-style” teaching model and brought directly to local communities. They allowed children to access high-quality cultural and educational services right at their doorstep. This approach deeply integrates regional culture, traditional heritage, scientific knowledge, and family education.

With the Party at heart, moving toward the future—protecting childhood and growing together.

In Fangshan District, the Suzhuang Erli Community in Xilu Subdistrict organized a red-themed educational program. Geng Nan, a teacher from the Experimental High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University, delivered a systematic lecture on the development of the People’s Army. The program reinforced the children’s patriotic foundation, fostering in them a deep sense of duty to “contribute to a powerful nation.”

In Xicheng District, the Women’s Federation launched the “Young Hearts for National Defense: Building a Strong Nation Together” defense education initiative. Professor Li Chenyang from the National Geological Archives of China shared The Stories of Geologists in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Through these vivid accounts of geologists protecting vital geological records during wartime, students experienced red education that inspired patriotic sentiment and strengthened their commitment to serving the country.

Enhancing Physical and Mental Well-Being

Giving Children the Confidence to Soar

With ideals as their sail, children set out to chase their dreams. The Beijing Women’s Federation has consistently invested in services that support children’s growth, further expanding support platforms. This summer, the federation provided targeted and professional growth programs across the city to help every child unlock their potential through care and encouragement.

Under the guidance of the Beijing Women’s Federation, the Beijing Women and Children’s Service Center conducted a two-week public childcare program from July 21 to August 1. The program served children aged 5 to 12 from dual-income families in the city’s sub-center. It offered diverse and interactive courses and activities designed to address childcare challenges during the vacation period.

Multidimensional care initiatives brightened children’s summer vacation, spreading warmth and fostering steady growth. In Tongzhou District, the Women’s Federation launched the “Love and Companionship, Supporting Growth” family development program, alongside the “Loving Mothers” theme activity. Special attention was given to left-behind and disadvantaged children through book donations and the release of the Tongzhou District 2025 Summer Children’s Care Activity List.

To “recharge” children’s hearts and enhance their psychological resilience for holistic development, the Beijing Women’s Federation simultaneously hosted the “Theatre of the Heart: Healing Through Growth” drama-based psychological summer camps in Daxing, Changping, and Shunyi districts.

This innovative model of combining drama with psychology created a new service practice. Through immersive theatrical experiences integrated with professional psychological guidance, children learned emotional management skills through role-playing and enhanced their social skills through teamwork. This art-based approach nurtured their growth with both warmth and lasting vitality.

In Chaoyang District, the Women’s Federation, in collaboration with several members of the Child-Friendly Alliance, organized a diverse range of educational, experiential, and engaging summer activities for 200 children from the families of employees of “three-new” enterprises, model families, outstanding volunteers, and Women’s Committee member units.

The carefully designed summer camp was built around the concept of the “Five Friendlies,” selecting six high-quality venues as practice bases for children’s social learning. At the Chaoyang Child-Friendly Space, children experienced the joy of art appreciation and reading. At the Chongdetang Plaque Museum, they explored traditional culture and agricultural practices. At the Public Safety Museum, they learned essential emergency response and self-rescue skills. At the China National Film Museum, they experimented with dubbing and voice-over creation. At the Civil Aviation Museum, they studied aviation knowledge. Lastly, they freely played and discovered in nature at the Mengxi Camp. These immersive experiences greatly enhanced their overall competencies and social awareness.

Young birds spread their wings to soar, and tender seedlings thrive with rain and dew.

In Mentougou District, the Women’s Federation organized the immersive “Voices of Western Beijing Youth for Safety” program at the Dongxinfang Party-Mass Service Center. Through hands-on demonstrations and realistic simulations, children learned to operate fire extinguishers, practiced earthquake evacuation drills, and studied disaster response techniques. Interactive exhibits on fraud schemes and scenario reenactments also helped them recognize telecom and online scams, with Q&A sessions enhancing their vigilance. In addition, parents and children worked together to assemble fire alarms, turning theoretical knowledge into practical skills.

In Shunyi District, the Women’s Federation has integrated family education and traditions into regional development. At Hanshiqiao Wetland Park, 40 parent-child families gathered at this natural and cultural landmark to participate in the “Good Family Traditions Enrich All Families” cultural event. Children enthusiastically pledged to become “little eco-guardians” of the wetlands, promising to cherish and protect the natural environment.

Building Digital Literacy for Online Safety

Keeping Children Secure, Giving Parents Peace of Mind

As summer began, accompanied by the sound of cicadas, the Municipal Women’s Federation partnered with the Beijing Internet Court to launch the “Protecting Young Minds Online, Safeguarding Growth Together” program. This marked the first model activity of the summer, aimed at enhancing children’s digital literacy and online safety awareness.

Approximately 50 parents and children participated in an internet safety awareness session. They watched a video that provided a vivid overview of the online world’s diversity and hidden risks. Guided by professional instructors, they explored key features such as the “Internet Courtroom,” “Intelligent Enforcement,” and the “Balance Chain.” This experience allowed them to witness the achievements of smart judicial systems and provided a window into the modern world of legal technology.

Parents noted that the “Family Education Guidance Course on Minors’ Online Literacy” had significantly enhanced their understanding of the risks children face online. The program provided practical and effective strategies to help parents identify, guide, and intervene in problematic online behaviors in a timely and scientific manner. As a result, parents became better equipped to fulfill their guardianship responsibilities, guiding children toward healthy online values and fostering positive digital habits.

On the morning of August 7, the Women’s Federation of Zhongguancun Subdistrict in Haidian District, in collaboration with local families from the Street-Town Alliance, visited Kylino Software for a themed practice program titled “Technology Empowers Growth.” The event highlighted new models of cooperation among families, schools, and communities in children’s education. A highlight of the program was the Intelligent Creation, the ‘Soul’ of the China AI popular science course. Through lively explanations and interactive demonstrations, children were introduced to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its practical applications in daily life and participated in hands-on practice sessions. These engaging activities allowed them to experience the appeal of AI firsthand, sparking their curiosity for exploring science and technology.

It was not just about education. It was about empowerment. This guiding principle has become a shared consensus among women’s federations at all levels in organizing summer programs.

In Changping District, the Women’s Federation launched the “Love Cube—Children’s Growth Camp,” creating a joyful space for children. 40 sessions were held across 22 towns and subdistricts. These sessions featured picture book reading, Chinese classics, nature education, disaster prevention, and intangible cultural heritage experiences. Nearly one thousand children immersed themselves in the ocean of knowledge and technology.

At Guanhua Garden Community in Beiqijia Town, Changping District, the Women’s Federation leveraged the Community Youth Hub platform to integrate social resources and host the “Red Scarf Summer Growth Camp.” The program particularly addressed childcare challenges encountered by families with limited guardianship, children of employees from “two new” organizations, and children from disadvantaged households. In doing so, it provided a safe, warm, and supportive environment for young people in the community to grow.

Leveraging the exemplary role of women volunteers has also become an important practice and innovation in grassroots summer care initiatives.

In Fengtai District, the Beilu Community Women Volunteers Sunshine Station—the district’s only nationally recognized Sunshine Station—partnered with officers from the Beijing Public Security Bureau’s Transport Security Division. Together, they introduced children to the station’s star police dog, “Peggy,” in a themed activity titled “Police Dogs in Action, Legal Education for Empowerment.” At the core of this program was the concept of “empowerment”: cultivating a new generation of “little legal literacy ambassadors.” Children were encouraged to transform the safety knowledge they gained into tangible contributions to their communities, completing a cycle of “learning—gaining skills—giving back.” As ambassadors of safety awareness, these children shared their newfound knowledge with their families and neighborhoods. In doing so, they extended its impact to the wider community.

Integrating the Five Dimensions of Education

Building a More Child-Friendly and Harmonious Society

The Beijing Women’s Federation continues to explore and innovate ways to foster an environment that supports children’s healthy development. Through its summer programs, the federation aims to instill patriotic values and a sense of national identity. It also seeks to pass down the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.

For example, the inspiring stories of the “Most Beautiful Families” have been shared across different regions. This has helped spread the spirit of positive family traditions far and wide.

By combining parent-child interaction with technological experiences and using exchange activities as a medium, this program aims to ensure that “family–nation affection” and “fine family traditions” are passed down across generations within families.

At the event, Ma Lianxiche, a primary school student from one of Beijing’s Most Beautiful Families, delivered a lively kuaiban recital of “Mulan Joins the Army.” Meanwhile, a family from Hotan—also recognized as a Most Beautiful Family—presented a traditional Xinjiang song-and-dance performance. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause and constant interaction. This heartwarming scene took place on July 26 at the Beijing Science Center. It was part of the “Technology for Children, Beijing–Hotan United as One” parent-child exchange program, hosted by the Beijing Women’s Federation. The event brought together more than 160 representatives of Most Beautiful Families from Beijing and Hotan. It featured technology experiences, talent showcases, and family-pairing activities. Through these engaging forms, families from both regions strengthened their bonds, jointly creating a new chapter of “One Big Family.”

Women’s Federations across the districts have also continued to play a guiding role. Focusing on traditional Chinese festivals, they organized a series of fun and engaging thematic activities. These activities cultivated and practiced core socialist values, advanced traditional cultural education, and fostered a new ethos of socialist family civilization—patriotic, loving, harmonious, aspirational, and cooperative.

In Yanqing District, Zhangshanying Town advanced its child-friendly community initiative by establishing the “One Ray of Sunshine” co-created children’s reading space in Houheilongmiao Village. The space introduced a Children’s Council, encouraging young participants to help establish community rules. Alongside the “Summer Reading” program, regular reading and sharing sessions were held, allowing books to nurture the soul, enlighten the mind, and broaden horizons.

In Xiangshuiyuan Subdistrict, activities such as the “Children’s Hearts Toward the Party” themed painting, Red Boat Workshop crafts, aviation model science activities, and revolutionary story recitations were organized. These programs instilled in children a deep appreciation for the revolutionary spirit of “opening new frontiers and daring to be the first.” They also inspired profound respect and enduring love for the Party.

Under the theme “Good Family Traditions Enrich All Families,” the Haidian District Women’s Federation created and distributed custom cultural and creative promotional materials. It mobilized 29 towns and subdistricts to involve descendants of revolutionary martyrs, the “Five Elders,” and resources from revolutionary memorial halls and red heritage sites in hosting the “One Street, One Family Tradition” campaign. In total, 1,595 children and families participated, with children serving as ambassadors of red and clean family traditions.

These initiatives helped children connect with revolutionary stories, embrace the red spirit, and remember the sacrifices of history. In doing so, they embodied a deeper sense of responsibility expected of model youth in the new era.

The Dongcheng District Women’s Federation in Beixinqiao Subdistrict organized a parent-child visit to the China Overseas Chinese History Museum. During the visit, families explored the special exhibition “The Sound of Propellers Cutting Through the Clouds—The Flying Tigers’ Wartime Memories and the Vigil for Peace.” This thematic practice activity integrated profound historical meaning with a warm, human touch. Meanwhile, the “Jingyun Chunmiao” Children’s Drama Club in Jingshan Subdistrict launched a red-themed theatrical program. Focused on the play “Dialogue Across Time and Space,” this initiative used the art of drama to refine children’s performance skills and instill seeds of revolutionary spirit deep in their hearts.

In Fangshan District, the Shidu Town Women’s Federation partnered with the Normal College of Beijing Union University to host a series of summer courses in science, recitation, picture book reading, and music. Through hands-on projects such as assembling electric fans and weather vanes, building Thunderbird aircraft models, launching pneumatic water rockets, and piecing together space station models, children advanced step by step in practical experimentation. These activities strengthened their scientific inquiry skills and sparked curiosity about nature and science. In doing do, they fostered both scientific thinking and creativity.

“What is Qixi? In ancient times, Qixi was known as the ‘Festival of Pleading for Skills’ or the ‘Daughters’ Festival.’” During the West City District Women’s Federation’s “Our Festival” event, a folk culture teacher explained the origins, legends, alternate names, and customs of Qixi. Connecting these traditions to the festival’s auspicious meanings, the teacher guided children in appreciating classical poems associated with Qixi. From the serene imagery of “On the jade steps, the night air is cool as water, as I lie watching the Cowherd and Weaver Girl stars” to the vibrant scene of “Every household prays for skills under the autumn moon, threading countless red silk threads,” the children experienced both the festival’s poetic beauty and its hopeful blessings.

Focusing on Family Growth, Lighting the Lamp of Hope.

Walking hand in hand to empower families and ensure that no child from a disadvantaged household is left behind. On August 13, the Daxing District Women’s Federation and Beijing Yiyuan Group visited Sangmafang Village in Beizangcun Town to offer one-on-one assistance and outreach. They awarded educational scholarships to two brothers, helping them overcome challenges and continue their studies.

How can it be so clear and cool? Because fresh water flows from the source.

According to Bai Jiao, Director of the Family and Children’s Department of the Beijing Women’s Federation, the Federation strengthened coordination between municipal and district levels to effectively implement the 2025 summer child care initiatives and enhance model leadership. They launched seven model summer child care programs that focus on the inheritance of red revolutionary spirit, the promotion of physical and mental well-being, and the nurturing of legal literacy. These programs inspired Women’s Federations across the city to organize diverse child care activities, making them more appealing and accessible. They also fostered a strong social atmosphere of care and support for children.

This summer, the Women’s Federation encouraged children to remember the history of the War of Resistance and draw strength for progress. As the new semester begins, it will continue to stand by their side—connecting hearts with love, nurturing dreams, and guiding their journey of growth.