China News Service, Yinchuan, September 14 (Reporter Li Peishan) "I have been studying Chinese in Saudi Arabia for a year and a half. Not only am I fascinated by China's long history and culture, but I also want to learn Chinese well so that I can do business with the Chinese in the future." On September 14, 19-year-old Yemeni youth Dai Hang set foot on Chinese soil for the first time, and his eyes were full of freshness and expectation.
On the same day, the 10th "Belt and Road" Youth Maker Camp and Teacher Seminar (China-Arab Countries Youth Maker Camp) kicked off in Yinchuan. 43 teenagers and science and technology teachers from 20 countries co-building the "Belt and Road" gathered at the fortress to start a research journey integrating scientific and technological exploration, cultural appreciation, and friendship.
As a key people-to-people exchange project launched by the China Association for Science and Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China in 2017, Maker Camp was included in the practical cooperation list of the third “Belt and Road” International Cooperation Summit Forum. Over the past ten years, the event has brought together thousands of teachers and students from more than 60 countries and regions, and will be launched in Ningxia in 2022. This event focuses on China-Arab science and education exchanges, with the theme of "Promoting Green Development and Enjoying Scientific and Technological Achievements", and sets up a face-to-face exchange stage for young people from countries along the Silk Road to learn from each other.
The opening ceremony was full of atmosphere. Classical dance "Only Green" and other performances were performed on the stage. The dancers were dressed in graceful clothes, and the distant landscape and artistic conception came to our faces. Many overseas campers who came from afar in the audience were fascinated by the show. They stood up and raised their phones and cameras to record the wonderful moments. Their eyes were full of wonder, and they immersed themselves in the unique charm of Chinese classical aesthetics.
According to Algerian teacher Doha Bouari, the significance of maker camp goes far beyond hands-on learning of technology, but also to ignite the curiosity of young people and hone their ability to solve problems collaboratively. "We have gathered here across mountains and seas to exchange not only scientific and technological ideas, but also the customs, customs and youthful ideals of our respective countries," she said.
According to reports, during the seven-day study period, Chinese and foreign young people will step out of the classroom and become field explorers. They will go into Shapotou and plant straw squares with their own hands to experience the miracle of China's desertification control up close. They will explore the Helan Mountain rock paintings, ancient canal ruins, and smart agricultural bases, and touch upon the vivid context of Ningxia’s ecological protection, characteristic industries, and historical culture.
It is worth mentioning that this year’s event adopts the “3+3+8+1” event structure, adding AI digital science and technology innovation practice and all-media international communication sections for the first time. Campers will use AI tools to create short videos based on the materials they have collected along the way, telling Ningxia stories overseas from a youth perspective, and transforming from event participants to Silk Road story communicators. The event also includes STEM teacher seminars, intangible cultural heritage experiences and other diversified links to promote the mutual learning of science and technology and the integration of civilizations to continue to be in-depth and practical.
