Photo taken in June 2024 shows "Junior Cultural Ambassadors" trying their hand at making dumplings at the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People. 

Children are the envoys of inter-civilizational exchanges, bearing the promise of friendship between China and the world. Their cross-border interactions not only broaden their international horizons but also ignite the sparks of mutual learning among civilizations. With their vibrant energy, they lay a solid social foundation for the coexistence of diverse cultures and provide an enduring drive for building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Guided by Madame Soong Ching Ling's philosophy of "giving the most precious things to children," the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), since its founding, has dedicated over four decades to promoting international friendship. Placing a strong emphasis on youth exchanges, the foundation leverages the universal bond of childhood through cultural, artistic, technological and philanthropic initiatives. These activities — including study tours, exchange performances, international competitions and children's book exchanges — sow the seeds of friendship among Chinese and foreign children and build bridges across cultural divides.

Weaving tapestry of cultural exchange

In late June 2024, Ivanitskaya Dominika, a "Junior Cultural Ambassador" from Belarus, was engrossed in creatiang a piece of cloisonné enamel art in the courtyard of the Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing. With her slender fingers, she gingerly outlined traditional Chinese patterns, which cast a golden glow under the sunshine filtering through ancient window lattices. "It is harder than what I thought," she said with a smile, "yet every line seems to be whispering a millennia-old tale."

During a dumpling-making session at the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People (CSCLSCC), Feng Yehui from the United Arab Emirates attempted to roll out her first dumpling wrapper. Her initial efforts were met with laughter as the dough repeatedly stuck to the rolling pin. With assistance from her Chinese companions, she successfully made a distinctive dumpling and proudly sent a picture of her creation to her parents back home.

These moments are vivid snapshots of how the CSCLF promotes traditional Chinese culture and fosters multicultural exchange. Culture acts as a key to the heart and a universal language that transcends borders. By initiating programs such as "Junior Cultural Ambassador," "Modern Little Teacher" and international children's book exchanges, the CSCLF invites global youth to reach out and feel the warmth of civilizations through direct engagement.