Ever wondered how to start a lifelong habit of giving back to the planet? 🌍 For Chinese President Xi Jinping, the answer lies in a simple shovel and a handful of saplings. For over a decade, the President has been hitting the soil in Beijing for annual voluntary tree-planting activities, but he is not doing it alone—he is bringing the next generation along for the ride! 🌳✨
It is not just about the greenery. President Xi believes that while kids are naturally energetic and might play around a bit while planting, the real win is nurturing a "love for labor" and a deep awareness of environmental protection. 🍃
During these outings, it is all about the connection. President Xi often chats with the students about their studies, their favorite sports, or whether they know the specific types of trees they are planting. When the work gets a bit tough, he is right there to guide them, patiently teaching the best way to hold a shovel, carry a bucket, or mound the soil properly around the roots. 💬
Fast forward to March this year, during a tree-planting activity in Beijing's Changping District, President Xi shared a beautiful metaphor: young people are just like saplings—full of vitality and hope. 🌱
He encouraged the youth to set ambitious goals early on, stay curious about knowledge, and embrace both labor and nature. The ultimate goal? Striving for well-rounded development that balances sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility, and practical work skills. Talk about setting the bar high for the future! 🚀✨
Reference(s):
Planting the future: Xi's tree-planting tradition with children
cgtn.com
