Contributed by: Communications Officer Yin Yueyuan  

Photos by: Project Manager Yang Chunbo  

From August 2023 to July 2025, with the support of the Tin Ka Ping Foundation, the outdoor play equipment and some school facilities at Hulong Early Childhood Class in Tengchong City were improved to a certain extent, allowing children to learn and play more happily in the new environment. However, there was still a shortage of resources for outdoor physical play equipment. To address this, project staff, teachers, and parents initiated a Do-It-Yourself play equipment activity to provide more outdoor play resources for the children.  

Many Hands Make Light Work

“If only the children could have more toys…” This simple wish led to this special “home-school collaboration” event. From July 17 to 19, with support from Humana People to People, over 20 participants—including teachers, parents, and project staff—spent three days turning this wish into reality.  

There were no professional construction teams or expensive materials—only willing hands dedicated to the children. Steel pipes, wooden planks, ropes, and discarded tires… These ordinary materials were transformed into balance bridges, climbing frames, and stepping stools through everyone’s creativity. What was particularly touching was that the wood for the 20 stepping stools was voluntarily brought by parents from their own homes.  

Every Nail is a Labor of Love

During the construction process, everyone contributed their skills. Project staff and fathers took on the welding work, while dexterous mothers and teachers painted the wooden stools… Even a grandfather in his sixties helped sand the edges, saying, “My grandson studies here, and I’m happy to do my part.”  

The most touching part was the safety inspection. Everyone repeatedly tested: Is this rope strong enough? Could this corner scratch a child? Every detail was carefully considered. This was not just about completing a task—it was about creating a safe space for their children to grow.  

Planting Hope in Tires

The indoor environment was also filled with warmth. Discarded old tires, once painted, became playful decorations. Even more exciting, these tires will serve as the children’s “little gardens”—where they can plant and observe the growth of various plants.  

On the walls, vivid illustrations of the 24 solar terms came to life; in the corners, elements of ethnic culture added a touch of familiarity and warmth. These decorations are not only aesthetically pleasing but also carry the adults’ hopes: that the children can cherish their roots while embracing the wider world.  

The Power of Unity is Priceless

At the end of the event, as the children played joyfully on the new equipment, everyone smiled with satisfaction. The sweat and calluses from those days had turned into something truly worthwhile.  Yet, even more precious than the new toys was the unity forged during this “home-school collaboration.” The Hulong Early Childhood Class project has long advocated the concept of shared responsibility between home and school. Over the past two years, this idea has taken deep root in the hearts of every parent, making this collective effort possible.  

Now, the project’s support has ended, but the Hulong Early Childhood Class will continue such “home-school collaborations” in the future. Because we know that education is not a solo endeavor—it’s like building those stepping stools: you lend a hand, I offer support, and together, we build a ladder for the children’s growth.  

 In this small early childhood class, what we witnessed was not just the creation of play equipment but the growth of a warm educational community. And this, perhaps, is the greatest gift we can give to the children.  

Project Introduction:  

     The Tengchong Preschools of the Future (POF) Project is funded by the Tin Ka Ping Foundation. In collaboration with the Tengchong Education and Sports Bureau, HPP assists in implementing the "One Village, One Preschool" policy. The project focuses on early education by improving preschool classroom facilities and teaching aids, providing regular professional training for teachers, and offering ongoing supervision to address challenges in daily teaching activities. Additionally, parent committees are established to conduct training and promote home-preschool collaboration. Emphasizing play-based teaching, the project supplies tools such as teacher management kits and instructional materials to expand access to rural preschool education and enhance its quality, ensuring more children receive high-quality early learning.

This article represents the views of the author and does not reflect the stance of the donor.