writer: Yang Jiqing

"Since the program began, it has provided us with tremendous help, from renovating our classrooms to supporting us in obtaining nursery worker certificates and preschool teacher qualification certificates." Five teachers from the Teachers of Tomorrow Support Program and the Classroom Renovation Project shared these changes with smiles during our conversation.

During the visit, we had a discussion with the teachers

On May 26, 2025, Huo Xueliang from the China Tomorrow Education Foundation visited the Teachers of Tomorrow Support Program and Classroom Renovation Project in Qiaojia County, Yunnan Province, supported by the foundation. At Haikou and Xiaotian Preschool Classes, we toured the classrooms, exchanged ideas with the teachers, attended classes with the children, participated in painting materials for environmental decorations, and visited the children’s homes. In just one day, we gained insight into the challenges and realities faced by rural preschool teachers and deeply understood the significance of the China Tomorrow Education Foundation’s vision.

The China Tomorrow Education Foundation is a non-profit charity operated entirely by volunteers, dedicated to improving education in rural China. Through activities such as renovating rural schools, building libraries, providing teaching equipment, offering one-on-one sponsorships, and rewarding teachers, it helps rural children receive better education and grow into qualified talents who contribute to society.

Since July 2022, the China Tomorrow Education Foundation has supported the implementation of the "Teachers of Tomorrow Support Program" for the Preschools of the Future Program in Qiaojia County, in collaboration with HPP. The program has provided insurance for 50 rural preschool teachers and encouraged 27 teachers to pursue self-study and obtain relevant qualifications (including nursery worker certificates, preschool teacher qualification certificates, Mandarin certificates, infant care certificates, etc.) to enhance their professional knowledge and teaching skills. Additionally, in 2024–2025, the foundation supported the renovation and improvement of facilities in 19 preschool classrooms across two batches.

Teachers' annual summary meeting group photo

A before-and-after comparison of the classroom renovation of Hongqing Kindergarten in Qiaojia County

During the visit, we learned that these preschool teachers were all temporary hires. Among them, one had a background in art design, one was a high school graduate, and only two had previously studied preschool education. When asked why they chose to become preschool teachers, they glanced at each other sheepishly. One teacher explained, "My child is just at the age to attend school. Staying in the village allows me to care for my child and my family." Surprisingly, this was the primary reason most of them chose to stay.

After some time, the teachers grew more comfortable and openly shared the changes in their preschool classes, stories about the children, and the joys and challenges of their work.

Free playtime for the children

They mentioned that before the project, the preschool classes had almost nothing. The project provided them with corner cabinets, picture books, toys, cardstock, and other teaching materials, which were used to create different activity zones in the classrooms, offering children spaces and resources for interactive learning. In terms of personal development, the project’s incentive policies motivated them to pursue further education and obtain qualifications such as nursery worker certificates, preschool teacher certificates, and infant care certificates. After earning these certificates, they received bonuses from the project. These qualifications not only enhanced their knowledge and skills in early childhood education but also provided a stronger foundation for their future careers in this field.

With nearly 50 children in each classroom, these teachers not only had to deliver lessons effectively but also manage classroom discipline and attend to each child’s needs. After observing Shi Xingyuan’s small-class lesson "Graphic Babies" and Wang Futao’s large-class physical activity "Creative Relay Race," we were impressed by their professionalism. Despite most of them being "latecomers" to the field, each was a "true" preschool teacher.

Left: The teaching scene of "Graphic Babies" in the small class

Right: Big class "Flower Relay Race" activity scene

It is well known that temporary teachers’ salaries and benefits are far from ideal. With the support of the China Tomorrow Education Foundation, the project provided rural medical insurance and accident insurance for these temporary preschool teachers, alleviating some of their practical difficulties. However, this still falls short of meeting their daily living needs.

Centralized training for preschool teachers

At Xiaotian Preschool Class, we spoke with teacher Zhao Kunhui, a local resident who had recently joined the program. She explained that due to low pay, many preferred to seek work elsewhere, but she stayed to care for her school-aged child. The job was demanding, and she occasionally spent her own money to buy supplies like brushes and paints for the children.

She works with project team members and teachers to paint eco-creative materials

"I love the children dearly and hope to continue working in early childhood education for a long time."
"I want to remain a preschool teacher forever."
"I’m also eager to earn more qualifications so I can stand out when applying to other kindergartens in the future."
...

When discussing their future plans, the teachers unanimously expressed their desire to continue as preschool teachers. It was clear that they were "deeply passionate" about their work.

Group photo

During this visit, Huo Xueliang gained a deeper understanding of the projects supported by the China Tomorrow Education Foundation, the current situation and needs of rural preschool teachers, and the challenges related to incentives, welfare, and the replenishment of teaching materials for preschool classes. Moving forward, HPP will continue collaborating with the China Tomorrow Education Foundation to refine the project based on teachers’ actual needs, supporting more rural preschool teachers in achieving sustainable development.

Project Introduction:

The Qiaojia County Teachers of Tomorrow Support Program and Classroom Renovation Project are supported by the China Tomorrow Education Foundation. Since July 2022, the foundation has supported the implementation of the "Teachers of Tomorrow Support Program" for the Preschools of the Future Program in Qiaojia County, in collaboration with HPP. The program has provided insurance for 50 rural preschool teachers and encouraged 27 teachers to obtain relevant qualifications (including nursery worker certificates, preschool teacher qualification certificates, Mandarin certificates, and infant care certificates) through self-study and incentive policies. Additionally, in 2024–2025, the foundation supported the renovation and improvement of facilities in 19 preschool classrooms across two batches.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and have nothing to do with the position of the sponsor.