More than 100 Spring Bud girls and volunteers attended a concert and several activities in August in Qianjiang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.
The Spring Bud Project is an acclaimed nationwide charity initiative dedicated to empowering disadvantaged girls through education.
The activities, jointly organized by the China Children and Teenagers' Fund (CCTF) and Sheji Public Welfare and Charity Development Center of Qianjiang, allowed participants to retrace revolutionary sites, explore intangible cultural heritage and hold heartfelt conversations in close circles — alongside storytelling and singing under the star-filled sky.
Before the concert, Spring Bud girls who were this year's high-school graduates, embarked on a hometown-culture-themed study tour. At the former residence of Wan Tao (1904-1932), they listened to inspirational stories of the revolutionary martyr. They strolled through the Southeast Chongqing Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum and the Gongs Family Mansion, closely appreciating the charm of local heritage such as Xilankapu (Tujia Brocade, the iconic handicraft of the Tujia ethnic group) and Tujia silver ornaments.
As the night fell, they gathered around for dinner and talked with volunteers and alumnae. They chatted about everyday life and personal experiences relevant to job interviews and growth.
Some girls remarked: "I used to think there was nothing special about my hometown, but today I realize it holds so many treasures."
The study tour awakened a sense of pride and identity in the girls toward their hometown.
On the bank of Wuling River, the girls wrote their signatures on a wall. They received star-shaped lanterns bearing their names and glowing headbands.
The concert comprised four chapters titled Aspiration, Confusion, Reminiscence and Moving Forward respectively. Participants were invited to share personal stories of youth — moments of hard-won triumph, alongside instances of bewilderment, self-doubt and regret.
Through improvisational performances inspired by each story and interwoven with song, their innermost thoughts were transformed into a unique gift, offered back to each storyteller.
This summer, a Spring Bud girl named Jia Jia (pseudonym) received a long-awaited admission letter from her dream university. Surrounded by melody and chorus, she reflected: "I caught sight of that unyielding self in my mind — the one who strove desperately to move forward." Ting Ting (pseudonym), a Spring Bud alumna, stepped onto the stage to share her own story. When she faltered due to nerves, the audience of girls called out her name in unison, cheering her on.
"At that moment, I felt that even if I am not perfect, there are still people who see my efforts and are willing to embrace me as I am," she said.
When the concert drew to an end, many girls lingered, gazed up at the night sky and were reluctant to say goodbye. Xiao Xi (pseudonym), who had attended the Spring Bud-themed concert for three consecutive years, reflected: "Every time we gather, I gain a deeper understanding of what 'Spring Bud' truly means."
The Spring Bud Project has never been merely about material assistance — it has built a bridge of mutual support and connection among girls, as they meet and reunite, passing on a warm torch of solidarity.
The starlight, the songs, the embraces and the emotions of this night have all been woven into a profound and enduring remembrance.
The Spring Bud Project safeguards girls' growth and brings every dream to spotlight.
Photos from CCTF
(Source: CCTF/Women of China)
Editor: Lei Yang
