Book Donation Activities of Raspberry Fields Forever Held in Chongqing

We would like to promote multicultural exchange for a wider global vision of the youth. On February 19, the Trade and Economic Multifunctional Platform for SCO Countries (SCO TEMP) hosted book donation activities titled “Enhancing Cultural Exchanges and Promoting Mutual Learning Among Civilizations”. At the event, the International Academy of SCO TEMP (International Academy) received over 300 copies of the short story collection Raspberry Fields Forever.

On February 20, under the coordination of the SCO TEMP, the International Academy launched the Raspberry Fields Forever campus book donation activities in Chongqing. The journey began at KL International School of Chongqing Bashu (KLIS).

At KLIS, Zhou Xiangke, Deputy Head of the International Academy Preparatory Group presented the book to the students. He explained that Raspberry Fields Forever consists of 12 short stories written in the early 1990s by Nurlan Akkoshkarov, Minister of  Kazakhstan to China and Permanent Representative to the SCO Secretariat, and Arman Isagaliev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Egypt and Qatar. He encouraged students to delve into the book, gain insight into the authors’ reflections on life, and appreciate Kazakhstan’s rich culture, history, and local customs.

Literature and art help people overcome language barriers and connect as friends. Luna, a third-grade German student at KLIS, shared her thoughts: “My favorite stories in the book are those about friendship and dreams. They remind me of the wonderful times I’ve shared with my friends. This book not only taught me about courage and perseverance but also helped me understand the importance of friendship. I hope to read more books like this and learn about more countries and cultures.”

Leonardo, a ninth-grade Mexican-American student, said: “Stories in this book inspired me and encouraged me to reflect on life and destiny. For example, it talks about how young people find their way amid changes and transformations. As a high school student, I am also thinking about my career path and life goals. No matter what the future holds, I believe that friendship and dreams will always be the driving forces that keep us moving forward. This book not only introduced Kazakhstan’s culture to me but also made me appreciate my own culture and friends even more.”

“Cultural exchange serves as a bridge for fostering international friendships and is a crucial way to enhance mutual understanding among nations,” said Hu Kaiqiang, Director-General of the SCO TEMP. He emphasized that the Raspberry Fields Forever campus book donation activities aim to broaden the global vision of the youth, enhance their appreciation of multiculturalism, and contribute to nurturing a future generation that values mutual understanding and close connections.

Zhou Xiangke stated that the International Academy, as a key platform under the SCO TEMP, actively engages in conducting discipline education, sci-tech innovation, talent training, and traditional cultural exchange with SCO member states and BRI partner countries. We will continue to integrate high-quality educational resources from China and abroad, cultivate future talent with global vision and innovative capabilities, and further advance the high-level opening-up of Chongqing’s education sector.

By Liu Dingrui/The World and Chongqing

Photo/SCO TEMP