Hunan Microfinance Project-2024 Summer

In July, Franklin Academy students embarked on a transformative journey to Hunan Province as part of the Global Philanthropy Leadership (GPL) program. Collaborating closely with professors and students from Hunan University, this project aimed to address rural poverty through microfinance and sustainable development initiatives.

This unique partnership allowed students to combine academic research with practical applications, empowering rural farmers while gaining invaluable leadership and analytical skills.

Immersing in a Millennium of Culture

On the morning of July 30, all participants visited Yuelu Academy, the predecessor of Hunan University and a “thousand-year-old institution of higher learning.” As one of the four great academies of ancient China, Yuelu Academy provided a rich cultural atmosphere and profound historical relics that offered participants a vivid and direct understanding of Chinese traditional culture and Huxiang culture. Through guided explanations, the participants gained deeper insights into the abundant connotations of Huxiang culture and the remarkable achievements of Yuelu Academy.

Tracing the Roots of Huxiang Civilization

On the morning of July 31, the participants visited the Hunan Provincial Museum, a national first-class museum, to view the exhibition of artifacts from the Han Dynasty tombs at Mawangdui in Changsha. By observing various artifacts, images, and documents, they experienced the diligence, courage, and wisdom of the people of Hunan, and were deeply impressed by the ancient and magnificent Huxiang civilization.

Experiencing Modern Technological Civilization

On the afternoon of July 30, the participants visited the Robotics Institute, one of the youngest faculties at Hunan University. They toured the institute’s exhibition hall and watched live demonstrations of various robots and autonomous driving systems. This visit sparked great interest in robotics research and its future applications.

Experiencing the Beauty of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Baishuidong Village, home to ethnic minorities, features unique intangible cultural heritage (ICH) elements of the Yao ethnic group. These drew significant interest and admiration from the students. They actively participated in activities such as tea-making, straw weaving, tie-dyeing, and embroidery, immersing themselves in the charm of traditional folk culture and appreciating the distinct beauty of Yao ICH.

The students pledged to promote China’s intangible cultural heritage globally by introducing high-quality cultural and creative products to international consumers.

Interact with Students from HNU Affiliated High School

On the evening of July 30, students from Franklin Academy in the U.S. and representatives from Hunan University Affiliated High School engaged in a friendly exchange. Both sides introduced their school life and extracurricular activities. The HNU students showcased their talents through captivating performances, including singing, dancing, and guzheng (Chinese zither) recitals. The two groups also held group discussions to share learning experiences and their perspectives on strengthening U.S.-China relations.

Experiencing Targeted Poverty Alleviation and Rural Revitalization

On the morning of August 1, the Baishuidong Village Committee warmly welcomed the teachers and students from Franklin Academy. During the visit, the Franklin team donated various educational and recreational supplies to Hexi Primary School, including printers, laptops, volleyballs, basketballs, school bags, books, and other items. This gesture of kindness reflected their care for the children and contributed to the development of local education.

Actively Engaging in Rural Revitalization

From August 2 to August 8, the students formed groups to conduct in-depth interviews and research with over 20 local households, including village leaders, community role models, ordinary farmers, and impoverished families. Through these interviews, they learned about the transformative effects of China’s targeted poverty alleviation policies on the lives of villagers. They were deeply impressed by the sweeping changes brought about by these national strategies.

The students also expressed a keen interest in participating in the ongoing “rural revitalization” initiatives. For certain industries, they suggested bringing local products such as tea and handicrafts to the U.S. market. By introducing innovative packaging designs and leveraging student organizations, they aimed to promote Baishuidong Village’s traditional cultural industries on a global scale.

For households with entrepreneurial aspirations, Franklin Academy representatives, in collaboration with the Franklin Foundation, proposed selecting promising families to provide financial assistance or microloans, as well as technical support. This initiative aims to address funding challenges and help more families achieve shared prosperity.

A Transformative Exchange

This exchange project offered Franklin Academy’s students an immersive experience of China’s rich culture, history, and societal achievements. Through diverse activities, including hands-on participation in rural revitalization efforts, the students deepened their understanding of China and fostered meaningful friendships with Chinese.