It is important that children develop bridges of awareness, understanding and appreciation of other cultures. If these bridges, or experiences, are vivid enough and tied to a child's daily life, they will last a lifetime and affect his or her adult decisions and behaviors. China is an important country to study because one-fifth of the world's people live there. The Chinese culture, which is more than 3500 years old, is the oldest continuously-existing culture in the world. It embodies traditions rich in the arts, sciences and philosophy.
China is also home to the fastest-growing economy in the world.
It is a country that our children and young people must be prepared to understand and negotiate with in the future. More than 125,000 Michigan young people, from most of Michigan's 83 counties, have participated in this project. Educational Exchanges, Events and Materials Contact your county MSU Extension office to check on registration for events or to borrow materials. Teaching kits are available to facilitate teaching about China and about making art. Each teaching kit is unique and consists of nine or ten original pictures by Chinese children and a study guide.