Celebrating Children's Day with Zhu Xi's legacy

In the radiant warmth of early summer, as May's blossoms gave way to June's sunshine, it heralds the approach of Children's Day, and the cultural vibrancy of the Dragon Boat Festival on May 31 begins to resonate across communities in China.

On May 27, the Lei Feng International Volunteer Team from Sanming University, comprised of both foreign and Chinese teachers and students, along with other volunteers, arrived in Yuxi county, Sanming city, Fujian province, to celebrate Children's Day in advance.

As the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue on the park's traditional architecture, the volunteers gathered at the Zhuzi Cultural Park Square, their red and blue vests contrasting vividly with the lush green mountains for the opening ceremony.

The event was significant, highlighting the connection between Zhu Xi's people-oriented philosophy and Lei Feng's modern example of selflessness. Titled "Love for Children", this charity event had the theme "Light up the Micro Wishes and Children's Hearts to the Future".

Far more than just a festive gathering, it served as a meaningful tribute to Zhu Xi's enduring philosophy, which continues to resonate centuries after he established himself as one of China's greatest thinkers, philosophers and educators.

Zhu Xi is often considered one of the most influential figures in Chinese thought, second only to Confucius. He advocated for an education that nurtures not only intellectual growth but also ethical character and social harmony.

Lei Feng, the People's Liberation Army soldier whose diary became a national primer on altruism, embodied this principle through his countless small acts of service, famously writing: "Life is limited, but service to the people is limitless".

Moreover, the timing of the Children's Day event coincided with the lead-up to the Dragon Boat Festival, which honors Qu Yuan's devotion to his people. This connection adds a layer of cultural significance and poetic beauty.

The Dragon Boat Festival, with its traditions of unity, commemoration and community spirit, aligns well with the values celebrated during Children's Day.

Together, these occasions highlight the importance of nurturing the next generation not just through academic instruction but also through experiences that foster a sense of belonging, cultural pride and social responsibility.

Traditional festival customs became teaching moments — making zongzi turned into lessons about sharing (a core tenet of both Zhu Xi's ethics and Lei Feng's actions), while the rhythmic pounding of dragon boat drums echoed Zhu Xi's belief in harmony through collective effort.

On May 27, volunteers visited central primary schools in nine townships within Yuxi county. The event addressed the growth needs of 156 children in difficult circumstances and successfully raised over 80,000 yuan ($11,100) in funds, bringing warmth and hope to each child's expectations.

The volunteers distributed various gifts, including clothes, books, badminton rackets, a bicycle, bags, writing pads, pens and other packages, to the children.

Over 260 volunteers from China and abroad became "dream messengers" and spent the day celebrating Children's Day with primary school students by playing games and cutting a cake.

Since March, this team of volunteers has visited left-behind and disadvantaged children in nine townships. They took the time to learn about each child's interests, talents and family background, allowing them to arrange gifts tailored to each child's specific needs. This effort ensured an effective match between the children's needs and the resources provided.

This celebration created a vibrant connection between China's intellectual heritage and the bright curiosity of future generations.

The volunteers, embodying Lei Feng's belief that "the greatest happiness lies in serving others", experienced their own joy as they watched children link 12th-century wisdom with 21st-century play.

The summer air buzzed with excitement as both children and volunteers discovered how Zhu Xi's timeless insights could be just as engaging as their favourite games, and how Lei Feng's spirit of service could be integrated into everyday fun.

In an era where technology often overshadows human connection, initiatives like these remind us that compassion and community are essential pillars of progress.

It encourages greater collaboration between academia, local communities and cultural custodians.

Such initiatives foster public welfare activities rooted in cultural pride, selfless service and experiences that shape not only children's futures but also the very soul of our society.

For the volunteers, this serves as a living testament to the saying that "One candle lights another". Ultimately, the best way to honor Zhu Xi and Lei Feng is not just to remember their words but to actively live by them.

Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, PhD, is a senior lecturer and researcher at the School of Overseas Education (School of Foreign Languages) in Sanming University and the president and founder of the Lei Feng International Volunteer Association in China.