The successful launch of the 2023 Chinese Secondary School Students’ Philanthropy Practice White Paper in Beijing unveiled insightful findings regarding the current state of philanthropic engagement among secondary school students in China.
Through research conducted in 100 top secondary schools, international schools, and a comprehensive analysis of 7,778 valid questionnaires, the white paper offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in promoting philanthropic practice.
During the presentation, Tao Ze, president and founder of Yishan Data, highlighted the top 10 findings that shed light on crucial aspects of youth engagement in philanthropy. These findings underscored the positive impact of early initiation into philanthropic activities, with participants growing to develop a deeper affection for such endeavors over time.
However, limited opportunities and insufficient information emerged as obstacles hampering students’ engagement, emphasizing the need to bridge this gap and provide accessible avenues for involvement.
The white paper emphasizes that participation in philanthropic activities not only enhances students’ sense of achievement and happiness but also contributes to their personal growth. Time constraints and the availability of opportunities directly influence students’ level of engagement, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that supports and facilitates their participation.
Furthermore, the decision to engage in philanthropy is influenced by individual interest in social issues. The attitude of schools and teachers plays a significant role in motivating students to participate in philanthropic endeavors. The study also reveals a positive correlation between parents’ inclination to donate and their children’s enthusiasm for participating in philanthropic activities.
Regarding popular philanthropic themes, environmental issues garnered the most attention, while animal protection and cultural preservation showcased promising potential. The white paper also highlighted the existence of students who already dedicate an average of one hour per week to philanthropic activities, underscoring the importance of nurturing their passion and commitment.
To further cultivate philanthropy literacy and promote socially responsible individuals, the white paper proposes several recommendations for future research. First, it suggests making philanthropic activities more engaging by exploring themes that resonate with the interests of youth. Second, incorporating practical philanthropic practice into school curricula and encouraging active student participation can deepen their understanding and involvement.
Third, raising philanthropy awareness within families can foster a positive cultural atmosphere and strengthen parent-child bonds. Lastly, diversifying the forms of philanthropic participation, with the involvement of businesses, philanthropic industries, and social organizations, can make philanthropy more appealing and enjoyable for young people.
During the roundtable discussion on promoting youth philanthropy, Peng Jiong from UNFPA emphasized the significance of intrinsic motivation as the driving force behind sustained philanthropic engagement among youth. He stressed the importance of supporting international exchanges to broaden young people’s perspectives and enhance their contributions to society.
Chen Xiaopeng, secretary-general of the Laoniu Brother and Sister Foundation, shared their organization’s efforts in promoting youth quality education through the Children’s Philanthropy Literacy Enhancement Program. By providing comprehensive support, they aim to cultivate a love for philanthropy among young individuals as they grow up.
The 2023 Chinese Secondary School Students’ Philanthropy Practice White Paper and the accompanying roundtable discussion shed light on the current state of philanthropic engagement among Chinese youth and presented valuable recommendations for promoting philanthropy literacy. With a focus on nurturing socially responsible and altruistic individuals, this initiative strives to create a more caring society for future generations.
