On October 15, a report from Xinjiang, China, highlights Jiangsu province’s comprehensive and collaborative efforts in supporting education in Xinjiang.

“Continuously building on the previous efforts” is a phrase frequently used by Jiangsu’s aid workers in Xinjiang. Recently, during a visit to various locations across Xinjiang, I found that Jiangsu—a province renowned for its educational advancements—has been actively engaging in all aspects of educational support. From elementary schools to vocational institutions, they are providing financial assistance, enhancing campus infrastructure, sending experienced teachers, and offering digital resources to ensure a holistic approach to aid.

Speaking with Shen Jianqin, the principal of Jianshan Experimental School in Kegedala, he emphasized the importance of practicality: “People in Jiangsu are pragmatic, and our educational assistance to Xinjiang reflects this.” Kegedala is home to several schools named after Jiangsu’s Zhenjiang, with the Kegedala Zhenjiang High School being the largest single investment project in educational aid from Zhenjiang to Xinjiang. The school has adopted a “Principal + Mid-level + Subject Specialist” model, successfully rotating in well-known educators and sending a total of 120 teachers across five teams.

Currently, the school serves approximately 2,500 students across 48 classes, supported by 248 teachers, including 23 aid teachers from Jiangsu. Zhu Chunxiao, the principal, who previously worked in teacher training in Zhenjiang, noted that the young faculty—averaging around 32 years old—are focused on enhancing core competencies through robust teacher training, fostering comprehensive student development, and introducing hands-on programs like model aircraft building and gardening.

To date, over 600 million yuan has been invested from Jiangsu into Xinjiang, resulting in 31 school construction projects. This funding has significantly improved access to education across all levels—from preschool to higher education—creating a multi-dimensional educational ecosystem.

In this new academic year, Xun Xiaoyan, one of the aid teachers, began her 18-month assignment at the 28th Middle School in Yining, supported by 40 more teachers from Nanjing. Since 2019, Yining No. 1 Middle School has established the “Jinling Class,” involving aid teachers from Nanjing to bolster educational initiatives. Their approach includes collective lesson planning, exam preparation, and mentoring local educators.

Nanjing, a hub of educational excellence, has been instrumental in transforming supportive efforts into sustainable education frameworks, continuously integrating high-quality educational resources through online and collaborative avenues.

In Huo County, the newly established Jiangsu Middle School showcases a state-of-the-art campus, primarily funded by Jiangsu’s aid initiatives. Zhang Wei and his wife, both teachers from Jiangsu, are keen to instill innovative teaching methods. With a focus on foundational skills and tailored instruction, they encourage students to engage with learning proactively.

Li Na, the principal of Jiangsu Middle School, highlighted the significance of having seasoned aid teachers who introduce modern educational philosophies and collaborative teaching strategies. The ongoing partnership between Huo County and Jiangsu ensures a continuous exchange of teaching methodologies and insights.

Since 2011, the Wuxi (Jiangyin) support team has allocated nearly 984.1 million yuan to educational projects in Huo County, reinforcing the commitment to elevating the region’s educational standards.

Moreover, soft power resources, including retired educators, play a critical role in addressing talent shortages in Xinjiang. Sun Jiemai, a former principal in Zhenjiang, shared her passion for education and her desire to contribute to Xinjiang’s development through flexible teaching roles, supported by Jiangsu’s initiative to engage retired professionals in vital areas of education.

Jiangsu’s dual focus on infrastructure and educational enhancement, alongside initiatives to mobilize experienced retired teachers, sets a foundation for sustainable developments in Xinjiang’s education sector. As the province continues to support Xinjiang in various domains, the rich experience and resources from Jiangsu contribute positively to the region’s socio-economic growth.