Recently, the College of Management and Economics and the School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology together invited more than 50 migrant children (children of floating populations) to go into the laboratories of Tianjin University to experience the fun and mystery of chemistry experiments and to develop an interest and a love of science.
December 12 is Chinese Vulnerable Children's Day, which is a day for a special group of children. Orphans and vulnerable children refers to minors under the age of 18, who, for various reasons, lack or are likely to lack appropriate care and protection and are very vulnerable. December 12, stands for "one two and one two, starting life", prompting this action to enhance the whole society's attention and support for orphans and vulnerable children, thus helping them overcome difficulties and happily grow through the initial stages of life.
During the visit to the Tianjin University's laboratories the children used purple cabbage to monitor acid or alkali water quality, studied sunscreen that blocks the sun which may do harm to the skin, and explored changes caused by mixing chocolate and chewing gum to enable the children to understand the common phenomenon of chemical reactions in daily life. The children who were actively involved in the experiments frequently asked questions and looked for the principles and answers behind the experiments. This was the first "Chemistry Experiment Class" for many of the children. It was hoped that through this class, the children would appreciate the mysteries of ordinary chemistry and develop a curiosity and an interest in science and the unknown.
The College of Management and Economics of Tianjin University, in order to encourage students to pay attention to social welfare and undertake youth responsibilities, have held activities for orphans and vulnerable children for many years.
For children with autism, in November 2016 and December 2015, students of the College of Management and Economics visited the Tianjin–Starlight home for autistic children to show their regard for these children.
For children with cancer, in October and November 2016, they visited the Tianjin Tumor Hospital and brought some joy and hope to the sick children.
For the socially difficult problem of left-behind rural children, since 2014, the College of Management and Economics has for three consecutive years established in Fengyu, a town in Dali, Yunnan province, the special help model of "love homes", which have been replicated and promoted in Shengzhou, Zhejiang province. These initiatives have been reported by the China Youth Daily, the People’s Daily, Tianjin TV and in more than 20 other media reports.
This year, the College of Management and Economics, by connecting with Tianjin Jizhou District and through education, psychological counseling, agricultural and sideline products promotion, will effectively improve the problem of left-behind rural children in Tianjin.
In the future, students of the College of Management and Economics will continue to focus on orphans and vulnerable children and undertake similar responsibilities as a mission of young people.
By: Xu Hui
Editors: Sun Xiaofang and Ross Colquhoun
