As spring breathes new life into our endeavors, Shanghai and Hong Kong stand united in their pursuit of educational excellence. Recently, an educational delegation from Hong Kong's Yan Oi Tong (YOT) embarked on a journey to Yangpu, where eight schools from both sides converged to explore the frontiers of "STEAM Education Innovation". Through collaborative efforts in curriculum development, cultural understanding, and talent cultivation, they further solidified the "Shanghai-Hong Kong Sister Schools STEAM Education Alliance".

Yangpu has long recognized the transformative power of educational exchanges as a cornerstone for fostering synergy between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Educators from both sides join forces to pioneer innovative approaches to education, weaving a shared vision for development.

Shanghai No. 15 Junior High School has emerged as a trailblazer in ecological education, pioneering a novel approach that integrates STEAM courses through the "New Farmer Plan". From the "breathing plant factory" to the state-of-the-art smart zebrafish laboratory, the school's ecological education system has evolved through three iterations. Executive Vice Principal Lou Wenzhe unveiled this visionary framework, which left the Hong Kong delegation in admiration, saying, "This is where the green blueprint for future cities lies hidden."

Hangzhou No. 1 Primary School, nestled along picturesque Riverside, focuses on fostering cultural confidence among its students. Wang Jun, the school's Party branch secretary and principal, extended a warm welcome to the Hong Kong visitors with a heartfelt poem titled "The Meeting of Hangzhou and Hong Kong Unites Hearts". Guided by enthusiastic young guides, the visitors immersed themselves in the traditional craftsmanship showcased in the Little Cobbler Workshop and "explored" the urban vistas of Riverside, experiencing the vibrant classroom of cultural education that the school offers.

At Shanghai Sanmen Junior High School, the synergy of science and art acts as a catalyst for youthful vitality. Here, the sweat of budding footballers, the melodious tunes of young Shanghai Opera successors, the inventive creations of the science club, and the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional lacquer painting converge in a dazzling display. "The fusion of tradition and modernity serves as the ultimate platform for nurturing the citizens of tomorrow," said Principal Qin Juan.

Zhengli Road Primary School, meanwhile, sparks the light of independence through childlike ingenuity. The school's students, affectionately known as "Little Lili", design futuristic cities with AI and recount tales of Shanghai-Hong Kong exchanges through sand painting. "We encourage learning through play and discovery through creation, empowering every child to become the architect of their own destiny," said Zheng Lingmei, the school's Party branch secretary and principal, who shared the school's educational philosophy.

In recent years, Yangpu's educational exchanges have been meticulously planned and executed. By creating conducive environments and interactive platforms that have led to the establishment of 30 sister school partnerships between Shanghai and Hong Kong, yielding remarkable results in cross-regional educational collaboration. Annual highlights such as the "Shanghai-Hong Kong-Macao Student Summer Camp" and the "Shanghai-Hong Kong-Macao Sister Schools Concert" have fostered deep connections and shared experiences among teachers and students. Looking ahead, educators from both sides will continue to collaborate, ensuring that the educational landscape continues to thrive and shine with the brilliance of the new era.