by Prof. Wang Zizhou, Peking University

December 2024

The Rural Library Small Creative Project, fully funded by the Evergreen Education Foundation in partnership with Peking University, is a transformative effort aimed at enhancing rural education and cultural sustainability through innovative, community-centered library programs. These projects are carefully designed to address the unique needs of rural readers by considering their age groups, educational backgrounds, interests, and daily lives.

Each project operates on a one-year cycle: the initial months focus on planning, application, and approval, followed by ten months of active implementation, and concluding with a thorough evaluation and impact assessment. The next project cycle begins on January 1, 2025.

These projects cover a wide range of activities, including reading promotion initiatives, parent-child reading programs, creative workshops, science and nature education, and cultural heritage preservation efforts. By creating engaging and interactive experiences, the projects foster a love for learning and strengthen community connections.

Project proposals are crafted with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and innovative approaches to solving community-specific challenges. Every proposal highlights expected social, cultural, and educational benefits, emphasizing the project’s sustainability and long-term impact.

Target beneficiaries include local residents, school students and teachers, and even migrant workers or visitors. Activities are conducted in diverse settings, such as library spaces, homes, outdoor areas, and cultural venues, ensuring maximum community engagement.

Each project carefully plans its workflow, allocates resources efficiently, and includes risk management strategies to ensure smooth execution. Outcomes range from measurable increases in library engagement and literacy rates to intangible benefits, such as stronger community ties, increased cultural awareness, and improved educational equity.