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Education for All: Bridging Gaps Through Lunar New Year Giving


As we usher in the Lunar New Year, a time of cultural significance and celebration, it is also important to reflect on the values that bind communities together. This festive season is not only a time for joy and renewal but also an opportune moment to engage in acts of philanthropy that can make a lasting impact. 

Lingshi County No.1 High School held the scholarship ceremony, all program students were awarded scholarship funds, a program schoolbag, and the book “High School Learning Methods”

Philanthropy, at its core, is the act of giving for the betterment of society. During cultural celebrations like the Lunar New Year, the spirit of generosity takes center stage. It is a time when communities come together to share their blessings and contribute to the well-being of others. The significance of giving back during times of celebration cannot be understated, and the impact of Lunar New Year philanthropy goes beyond the immediate festivities. It plays a crucial role in community development, fostering a sense of unity and support. 

This Lunar New Year, marked as the Year of the Dragon, brings with it a unique energy and symbolism. The dragon is associated with strength, courage, and innovation. In Chinese culture, the dragon is seen as a symbol of wisdom and good fortune. These characteristics hold special relevance to educational initiatives, as they embody the spirit needed to overcome challenges and pave the way for a brighter future. Just as the dragon soars to great heights, philanthropy during the Year of the Dragon can propel educational initiatives to new levels, empowering communities and cultivating the courage needed to invest in the next generation. It is a reminder that, like the dragon, we have the strength to make a lasting impact through our collective efforts during this auspicious time. 

Students from Lingshi County No.1 High School are reading the book very carefully

Spotlight on Educational Empowerment

A shining example of the transformative power of giving, particularly in the realm of education, is Tomorrow-iCAN. Established in 2021, our signature program undertakes the ambitious goal of supporting underprivileged Chinese students on their path toward academic excellence, helping them to become the first members of their families to attend university—a challenging and lofty endeavor. To encourage and motivate the program’s students, participating schools hold annual scholarship award ceremonies before the Winter break. In the first half of the 2023/24 school year, Tomorrow-iCAN has supported almost 1300 students from 45 schools in Henan, Shanxi, Gansu, and Xinjiang.

Participating students receive financial support in scholarship funds and thoughtful gifts such as a new backpack, and the book “High School Learning Methods.” This book, jointly created by an outstanding cohort of volunteer students from top universities, aims to provide students with guidance and support in preparation for their College Entrance Examination.  

Shanxi Taihang High School held a sharing seminar after the ceremony, inviting graduates with excellent performance to share their experiences, learning methods, and college lives with program students to inspire them with encouragement.

Final Thoughts

The impact of education on long-term community development is undeniable, and programs like Tomorrow-iCAN play a crucial role in shaping the future of China’s underprivileged students. As we celebrate the Lunar New Year and revel in the joy of new beginnings, let us not forget the power of education in transforming lives.

Consider contributing to Tomorrow-iCAN or supporting other impactful Lunar New Year philanthropic efforts. By doing so, you become a part of a larger movement that strives to bridge educational gaps, make education accessible to all. Let the spirit of giving extend beyond the holiday season, fostering a culture of generosity that lasts throughout the year.

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