Diplomatic Enlightenment Journey of Students from Dingri, Xizang
From July 28 to August 3, 2025, a delegation of 10 primary school students and 2 teachers from the earthquake-affected areas of Dingri County, Shigatse, Xizang, kicked off their “Dreams Set Sail: Diplomatic Enlightenment Journey” in Beijing. The visit was organized upon invitation from the “Silk Road Happiness” Special Fund of the China Foundation for Peace and Development and the Women Empowerment & Development Society in Asia-Africa (WEDS.AA).
Background: Extending Care to Earthquake-Affected Students
In early 2025, following a powerful earthquake in the Shigatse region, Dr. Zhao Meiling, President of WEDS.AA and initiator of the “Silk Road Happiness” Special Fund, swiftly launched a charity fundraising campaign at the association’s New Year Reception. Embassies of Asian and African countries, including Pakistan, Gabon, and Burkina Faso, extended assistance, while several Chinese painters donated artworks. These efforts raised 250,000 RMB in charitable funds for students impacted by the disaster. In June, a delegation from the “Silk Road Happiness” Special Fund and WEDS.AA visited Wengga Primary School in Dingri County to hand over donated teaching supplies. This Beijing visit marks a key component of the fund’s ongoing support for Dingri’s schools.
Theme: Diplomatic Enlightenment and Broadening Horizons
Upon arrival in Beijing, the delegation first visited the International Department, Central Committe of CPC. After observing diplomatic events, Vice Minister Ma Hui cordially met with the students. The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chilean Embassy in China then shared the long history of friendly exchanges between China and Chile, as well as the profound friendship between their peoples. The students presented passionate traditional Xizang dances and white hadas (Xizang ceremonial scarves), conveying ethnic kinship. They also toured the IDCPC’s historical exhibition and senior cadres’ activity center, where they interacted in a festive gathering with retired cadres. Later, the delegation visited foreign affairs-related institutions including the China Foundation for Peace and Development and the Soong Ching-ling Foundation, receiving warm receptions from leaders of each organization. At the Indonesian Embassy in China, students offered white hadas and performed traditional dances to express sincere gratitude and best wishes to the embassy’s staff and diplomats.
Approach: Educating Through Experience and Igniting Patriotism
Watching the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square was a highlight of the delegation’s Beijing itinerary. Though the children woke early and felt weary, their hearts swelled with patriotism as they watched the bright five-starred red flag, accompanied by the majestic national anthem, rise slowly. “Salute to our beloved motherland!” they echoed. Later, they visited the Flag Guard, listening intently to heartwarming stories of the unit’s dedication.
Beijing’s historic landmarks and iconic sites naturally drew the delegation’s attention. They explored the Capital Museum, Beijing Planetarium, Beijing Zoo, Beigong Circus Carnival, CCTV Tower, Olympic Park, and National Centre for the Performing Arts. A visit to Tsinghua University, in particular, inspired the students to embark on their own journeys of pursuing dreams. The day’s surprises left them dazzled and eager to take in every moment.
The grand finale of the trip was climbing the Great Wall. After rain, Beijing was clear and cloudless, with the magnificent Great Wall stretching out before their eyes like a giant dragon coiling among the mountains. The children’s excitement was palpable as they eagerly made their way to the summit. On the wall, they sang the WEDS.AA’s anthem, Love in Asia and Africa, using song to express their love for the country, gratitude, and the power of boundless compassion—bringing the “diplomatic enlightenment journey” to a perfect conclusion.
As the saying goes, “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.” By reaching its peak, these students embodied that spirit. Through this journey, they gained knowledge, broadened their horizons, and were inspired to face studies, life, and challenges with the resolve that “nothing in the world is difficult if you put your heart into it,” striving to become truly heroic figures.
With reluctance, the delegation began their journey home. Some students shed tears of emotion, expressing gratitude to the WEDS.AA and the “Silk Road Happiness” Special Fund for the thoughtful organization and warm hospitality.
Tashi Delek! (Long live peace and happiness!)