Education to nurture kindness in Chinese children

Caring for Life in 2024: A Year of Growth and Impact

In 2024, our Caring for Life Children’s Education programme reached new heights in spreading the values of compassion and environmental stewardship across China. Here are some highlights:

• Educational Reach:
• 10 primary schools now teach the Caring for Life course as part of their curriculum, educating 12,641 children in compassion, empathy, and responsibility.
• Earth Day Engagement:
• 102,418 rural children actively participated in Earth Day activities.
• A total of 155,259 children learned about Earth Day—a global call to action that fostered environmental awareness.
• Expansion into Rural Areas:
• We proudly welcomed a new Pioneer School in Yiwu and 5 new pilot schools from disadvantaged rural areas, where resources are limited. These schools now deliver the Caring for Life curriculum throughout the academic year, creating ripple effects of prosocial behaviour in local communities.
• Earth Day Programme Success: This year, 196 schools participated in our annual Earth Day programme, from kindergarten to middle school. The initiative not only raised environmental awareness but also empowered children to champion animal protection and sustainability.

• Focus on Climate Change:
• In a nod to current global challenges, “Climate change” was chosen as the Children’s Word of the Year. Our curriculum’s dedicated modules help students understand the human impact on the planet and inspire them to be proactive in creating positive change.

 Kai Kai: A Young Ambassador for Compassion and Animal Welfare

We’re delighted to introduce you to Kai Kai, ACTAsia’s youngest ambassador. His story truly captures the spirit of our Caring for Life programme.

A Passion Ignited by Family and Culture

Kai Kai is an 11-year-old fifth grader from Xi’an City in Shaanxi Province, born in the Year of the Snake—a symbol of good fortune and wisdom in Chinese culture. While many might see snakes as dangerous, Kai Kai thinks they’re “cool.” This unique perspective reflects his deep empathy and natural curiosity about the world. Growing up in a home where kindness toward animals is a way of life, he was naturally drawn to our mission. His father, Dr. Zhang Hao—a dedicated veterinarian and ACTAsia certificate trainer with our Vets for Change programme—instilled in him a profound respect and care for all living creatures.

Stepping Up as an Ambassador

Kai Kai’s journey with ACTAsia began when his parents introduced him to our Caring for Life education. Spending time at his father’s pet hospital, he quickly developed a sensitivity to animal welfare. In 2024, Kai Kai took his passion to the next level by getting actively involved in our initiatives. He helped fundraise at the JiuJiu Charity Festival and volunteered at the ACTAsia booth during the World Small Animal Veterinarians Association (WSAVA) conference, where he eagerly shared our programme with everyone he met.

Even though he felt nervous at first when speaking to strangers, Kai Kai soon grew more confident. He found it incredibly rewarding to help others understand the importance of caring for animals. His heartfelt questions—like wondering if an animal feels pain during treatment—truly highlight his genuine empathy and commitment.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Kai Kai dreams of following in his father’s footsteps by becoming a veterinarian. But his aspirations go beyond personal achievement; he’s determined to spread the message of empathy and care for animals throughout China. Kai Kai envisions a future where children everywhere understand the deep connection between humans, animals, and our environment—paving the way for a kinder, more compassionate world.

Creating Empathetic Leaders

Kai Kai’s journey is a beautiful example of how compassionate education can transform lives. By nurturing empathy and critical thinking in our young learners, the Caring for Life programme is helping to shape a generation of empathetic leaders.

Your support makes it possible for more children like Kai Kai to grow up with the tools and values they need to make a real difference in our world.

Thank you for being a part of this journey and helping us create a better future for animals, people, and our planet.