Chapter 247 Counselor
While warfare certainly requires weapons and discipline, who manufactures the weapons? Who formulates the strategy? Who makes the technological breakthroughs? Ultimately, it all comes down to human intellect.
She leaned forward slightly and emphasized, "Our factory workers' children shouldn't lose at the starting line. You guard the border and shoulder responsibilities every day, braving wind and rain. You simply don't have time to supervise your children's pinyin and arithmetic every day. Your families have to take care of their households and worry about their work, so their energy is limited. But if we could build a reliable early education center, a kindergarten that truly focuses on early childhood education, within the factory premises, it would not only reduce the burden on the factory workers but also cultivate future talent for the country—future soldiers, future engineers, and future scientists could all emerge from here."
These words were well-reasoned and supported by evidence, blending reason and emotion.
Especially the last sentence, "To build up soldiers for the future of the country," was like a fine needle, gently piercing Deputy Commander Qiu's heart.
His tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and the scrutiny in his eyes gradually turned into contemplation, even showing a hint of emotion.
He slowly put down the materials in his hand, leaned back in his chair, and his expression softened considerably: "The idea is good, and you've certainly put your heart into it. However, ideas alone aren't enough. The reality is what we have to face—where will the money come from? Where will we find teachers? We can't just conjure up a kindergarten out of thin air, can we?"
Upon hearing this, Qiao Wanyin felt a surge of warmth in her heart, almost able to feel the blood rushing through her veins—it was a success!
He knew it was a good idea, but was just testing its feasibility.
She suppressed her excitement and remained calm. She then opened the brown paper package she had brought and carefully laid out the prepared plan on the table.
Pointing to the contents above, she explained clearly, point by point: "In terms of funding, the organization doesn't need to contribute a single penny. We can mobilize family members to voluntarily raise funds and pay a small monthly fee as operating costs. In addition, many family members are skilled with their hands—some can make rag dolls, some are good at knitting, and some are good at drawing. We can organize charity sales, regularly setting up stalls in the factory square to sell handicrafts, and all proceeds will be used for kindergarten construction and daily expenses."
"The issue of teachers is also easy to resolve. I myself graduated from a teacher's college and can serve as the main person in charge of teaching. In addition, several family members have early childhood education experience or related professional backgrounds and are willing to participate voluntarily. The curriculum will be based on child development psychology and integrate language, early math, art expression and physical training to ensure the all-round development of children."
She spoke clearly and logically, with each point supported by a specific plan, showing that it had been the result of long-term thought and meticulous preparation.
"We'll use the existing daycare center as the venue, just make some modifications."
Her tone was calm, but every word was filled with confidence: "The current vacancy rate of the nursery is relatively high, and the basic infrastructure is basically complete. It only needs simple repairs and functional zoning adjustments to meet the needs of the new kindergarten. For example, the original large classroom can be divided into several activity areas, and a restroom and nap room can be added, along with some tables, chairs and toys suitable for young children. In this way, construction costs can be saved and it can be put into use as soon as possible."
"Teachers? We'll pick those from the family members who are educated and patient."
She paused, then looked firmly at Deputy Commander Qiu. "I've already spoken with the provincial preschool teacher training school. They are very supportive of this work and have agreed to send an experienced team of teachers to organize a seven-day intensive training course specifically for us. The course content includes child psychology, basic education methods, and safety knowledge, ensuring that every family member participating in the training can master the necessary professional knowledge."
"It's a course—"
She turned to the next page with deft movements, her finger pointing steadily to the meticulously drawn curriculum structure diagram on the drawing board, “divided into five parts: physical health, language expression, social interaction, scientific enlightenment, and artistic cultivation.”
Her voice was clear and organized: "We arrange 30 minutes of morning exercise every day to improve the children's physical fitness; language classes cultivate children's expression skills and vocabulary accumulation through storytelling, reciting nursery rhymes, and other forms; social interaction activities include role-playing and group cooperative games to help children learn to share and cooperate."
She continued, "Science education is not about teaching complicated theories, but about stimulating children's curiosity and desire to explore through observing plant growth, simple experiments, and understanding weather changes. Art education includes painting, crafts, music appreciation, and dance activities, giving every child the opportunity to encounter, feel, and create beauty."
“Every day there are group games that everyone plays together, as well as free activities that we can choose ourselves, plus an hour of outdoor running and jumping.”
She added, "Group games enhance team spirit, free activities respect individual differences, and outdoor sports ensure that children have enough time for physical exercise. We also regularly organize outings, factory visits, and vegetable gardening activities to integrate learning into daily life."
The more Deputy Commander Qiu listened, the brighter his eyes became, and even his breathing slowed down.
His brows gradually relaxed, and his scrutinizing gaze was replaced by an expression of near surprise.
He leaned forward slightly, one hand resting on the corner of the table, as if afraid of missing any detail.
In the entire office, only her clear and steady voice echoed.
Ten minutes had long passed, and he hadn't interrupted at all.
This was extremely rare in the past—this deputy commander, known for his strictness, had always had no patience for lengthy reports and would often stop them after just a few words.
But today, he seemed to be completely captivated by something, listening quietly with his gaze never leaving Qiao Wanyin's face.
"...Finally," Qiao Wanyin's voice softened, but became more steady, as if it had been carefully considered, "we can also invite soldiers with special skills in the army to be extracurricular tutors."
Her tone softened, tinged with warmth, “Among these soldiers, some can play the erhu, some are skilled in carpentry, some know astronomy, and some are veterans who can tell stories of the battlefield. Although they are not professional teachers, they have the most authentic life experiences.”
"For example, teaching children to sing factory songs and telling them true stories from the military."
Her eyes lit up, as if she could already see that scene: "When children sit around a campfire, listening to a weathered veteran tell the story of his holding his ground in the snow, they will truly understand what courage, responsibility, and country are."
After she finished speaking, the office became so quiet that you could hear the rustling of leaves in the wind outside the window.
Sunlight streamed in at an angle through the window, casting a long shadow on the floor.
Time seemed to stand still.
She held her breath, her chest rising and falling slightly, waiting for a response—a response that could change the fate of countless factory workers' children.
"good!"
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