Xi Focus: Nurturing, encouraging China's children

Industriousness 

Xi has always attached great importance to the cultivation of industriousness among children.

For many years, Xi has labored side by side with young students in voluntary tree-planting activities in Beijing. As he worked, Xi would ask about their studies and lives, and encourage them to study hard, love their work and do more exercise.

"I was deeply impressed when I saw Grandpa Xi shoveling, digging and watering the saplings so skillfully," said Bi Yang, who was among a group of primary school students at Beijing's annual tree-planting event in 2019.

Bi said the conversation they had with Xi was inspiring, and she would keep Xi's words in mind, putting more effort into her studies, work and exercise in order to contribute to the country.

In 2013, Xi visited the Beijing Children's Palace. At its botanical garden, he watched children do farm activities ranging from hoeing and sowing to harvesting vegetables. He approached two children who were transplanting seedlings, and talked with them about their knowledge of the plant.

He told the children that life is built on hard work.

Xi encouraged the children to take pride in their work. "Through work, you will not only sow the seeds of hope and reap the fruits, but also temper your will and improve yourselves," he said.