In the final assembly workshop of Zeekr factory, the robotic arm is accurately grasping the auto parts, the AGV car is silently traveling along the ground magnetic strip, and the huge die-casting machine is quickly completing the molding. That is the scene in the eyes of Esperance from Rwanda, standing by the production line.
“This is my first time entering an automobile manufacturing factory”, said Esperance. “I’m deeply impressed by the combination of human experience, robotics, and digitization. That is exactly what we African countries need to learn from China.”
29 members of the Seminar on Educational Capacity Building for Women from Developing Countries participated in the immersive learning and inspection in Ningbo from June 30 to July 4. They come from 11 countries (including Rwanda, Grenada, and Kiribati) and international organizations, and most of them are experts and scholars in the field of education.
This seminar is one of the series of training programs held after the establishment of the Global Center for Women’s Capacity Building, and it is also the third training course for women from developing countries recently held in Zhejiang Province.
A workshop at dock
Before coming to Ningbo, the seminar participants had already conducted some in-depth researches in Hangzhou. During their stay in Ningbo, they gained practical experience in such areas as women’s life cycle education, intelligent manufacturing, marine economy, and child friendliness.
At the Yongwang Village in Zhenhai District, in the Ancestral Hall of the Ruans, a century-old building, some intangible cultural heritage craftsmen showcased traditional food production techniques in front of cameras. The seminar participants visited the women’s vocational training and e-commerce live streaming base promoted by the local Women’s Federation to learn how intangible cultural heritage can be commercialized through live streaming. By 2025, the sales revenue of the base’s products exceed 85 million yuan, offering job opportunities for a group of women at their doorstep.
From the observation deck of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, Alexandra from Grenada took many photos of the neatly arranged container ships and the constantly lifting and descending bridge cranes.
“I know that Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Terminal is the world’s largest container ship berthing terminal, and seeing it on site is more impressive than expected”, said Alexandra. “The lights and buildings here look very modern”.
At the Zeekr factory, Alexandra stood for a long time in front of the car manufacturing assembly line. “I have a special passion for cars, and I really wish I could stay longer to see every step clearly. This is my favorite part of this trip.”
Women and children's activity centers at the doorstep
The Ningbo Women’s Activity Center and Ningbo Children’s Library, located in the core area of the Eastern New Town of Ningbo, are the most impressive places for the seminar participants on this trip.
The 20,000-square meter Ningbo Children’s Library not only allows children to enjoy a sea of books, but also enables them to experience such interactive activities as simulating a drive of a small boat, exploring marine life, and programming a robot.
“Everything here is amazing”, said Meri, a primary school principal from Kiribati, who took many photos with her phone. “The children can sail boats, and if they want to become pilots or captains, they can also explore marine lives here. They are really lucky to have the opportunity for exploration and experience”.
She said that after returning to Kiribati, she would encourage her students to have more hands-on practice.
At the Ningbo Women’s Activity Center, the participants learned that nearly 3,000 inclusive public-welfare training sessions are conducted annually at this 8,000-square meter center, serving over 40,000 women.
“I see something that Rwanda can learn from’, said Esperance. “We need to pay attention to the actual needs of women and provide them with a platform for training and development’.
At the Women’s College of Ningbo University and Ningbo Polytechnic University, the seminar participants learned about how school-enterprise cooperation can provide systematic education for women, from workplace enlightenment to practical empowerment; at the University of Nottingham, Ningbo, they explored the issue of women’s leadership in the digital age through classroom teaching; and at the China Port Museum, they traced the maritime civilization of Ningbo, as a “gateway connecting the world”.
“I want to relate to my folks a real China”
The seminar session covers the field inspections from digital economy to AI applications, from intangible cultural heritage to intelligent manufacturing, and from ports to women and children’s activity centers at the doorstep.
Before departure, Meili said, “Before my visit here, I only learned about some fragmented information of China through the internet. I now see the real, modern and prosperous China with my own eyes. I will bring back photos, videos, and notes to my hometown and tell my folks about the real development and achievements of women development.”
The 29 participants have departed for their home countries. The notes, videos, and photos they took will go with them to African campuses, Pacific Island classrooms, and South Asian community centers, making Zhejiang’s “She Power” practical experience a fresh reference for the global activities for women’s equal development and mutual learning.
