Fifty-four high school students, from Dongchuan District, Kunming, and Fuyuan County, Qujing, both in Southwest China's Yunnan Province, participated in a study tour, under the Spring Bud Project, in Beijing from August 12-17, 2024. The tour was organized by China Children and Teenagers' Fund (CCTF) and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited (CASIC).

It was the second time CCTF and CASIC organized a thematic study tour for Spring Bud girls. The tour was intended to promote the spirit of China's aerospace industry, and to help Spring Bud girls raise their science literacy.

The girls visited CASIC's headquarters, where they got to examine major research apparatuses, and where they learned about the development of China's aerospace technologies. The girls also watched a promotional film, on the rapid development of China's missile research, and they viewed several cultural exhibitions.

Ma Tongling, a delegate to the 13th National Women's Congress of China, and a chief researcher with a CASIC-based women's innovation laboratory, spoke to the Spring Bud girls about the spirit of China's aerospace industry, and about the great achievements made by women researchers. Ma encouraged the girls to chase their dreams in the aerospace industry.

Eight women researchers shared their thoughts about engaging in space research. They also gave space-themed books to the girls. In return, the girls presented their paintings and calligraphies to the researchers.

During the event's closing ceremony, one girl said she was touched by the development of China's space industry, and she said she would study hard and contribute to China's prosperity.

The Spring Bud girls also visited the National Museum of China, the Museum of the Communist Party of China, the Great Wall and the Palace Museum. 

Zhu Dongyun, CCTF Deputy Secretary-General, said she hoped the Spring Bud girls will carry forward the project's spirit of pursuing excellence and virtue, and that they will lead fulfilling lives, by making efforts to help China make more sci-tech innovations and become a great country.

Since 2022, CCTF and CASIC have built 20 activity centers, under the Spring Bud project, in dozens of primary and middle schools in Dongchuan and Fuyuan. More than 200 activities have been organized to enhance girls' science literacy and adolescent and mental health. Some 100,000 girls and their families have benefited from the activities.

(Source: CCTF/Women of China)

Editor: Lei Yang