Educating young people on Silk Road culture to foster closer people-to-people ties is an essential requirement of the “Belt and Road” initiative, integrating foundational education deeply into the initiative to cultivate students’ sense of patriotism and broaden their international perspective. On November 5, 2024, a “Belt and Road” Demonstration Unit, jointly established by Gansu Belt and Road Network and Enling Middle School in Yuzhong County, was inaugurated at Enling Middle School. Principal Cai Yuchang of Enling Middle School, Vice Principals Li Xingming, Feng Qingbin, and Li Lanqing, along with Bai Xin, head of the Lanzhou office of Gansu Belt and Road Network, attended the ceremony.

At the ceremony, Principal Cai Yuchang emphasized that Enling Middle School, built with donations from Hong Kong’s Shanyuan Foundation founders Mr. Zhu Enyu and Mrs. Xie Lingling, has been upholding Mr. Zhu’s philosophy of “building character and nurturing talent for the country” since its establishment in August 1997. Over the past 28 years, the school has remained dedicated to these values. In promoting a closer “Belt and Road” connection, it is vital to enhance high school students' understanding and engagement with the initiative, focusing on their college entrance examination preparation and future development. Principal Cai expressed his hope that Enling Middle School will stay committed to its foundational mission of fostering integrity and innovation, striving forward with determination to make the school more distinctive, high-quality, and influential. Using the base as an opportunity, the school plans to organize expert lectures and introduce Silk Road history, geography, culture, and “Belt and Road” initiatives into classroom activities. The school will also organize field trips for students and teachers to explore Silk Road culture, hold essay and knowledge competitions, photo and art exhibitions, and promote Silk Road culture and spirit. Through these efforts, Enling Middle School aims to develop a unique Silk Road cultural education program that aligns with and supports the national “Belt and Road” initiative.

At the unveiling ceremony, the head of the Gansu Belt and Road Network’s Lanzhou Office stated, “The ‘Belt and Road’ is a dynamic concept and a rare development opportunity. Having completed its first decade of rapid growth and yielded fruitful results, the ‘Belt and Road’ network of partnerships has expanded significantly. As the initiative enters its second ‘Golden Decade,’ it is in a phase of prime development, requiring enthusiasm and progress. The Gansu Belt and Road Network will use this collaboration to comprehensively showcase the latest developments and achievements of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, providing information services, promoting cooperative exchanges, and serving as a ‘window’ and ‘bridge’ for the initiative. We are committed to sharing the stories of Enling Middle School’s involvement in the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, amplifying its voice, and transforming the school into a cultural exchange hub for young people within the initiative. Through these efforts, Enling Middle School will contribute to the educational demonstration of the Belt and Road Initiative.”