Team Building Day
The students of the first 2024 cohort of the JOBB program experienced their first team-building event. The activities were thoughtfully designed, incorporating political education, cultural experiences, and visits to iconic urban landmarks, while also taking into account the diverse backgrounds and special needs of the students.
Shanghai First National Congress Site
The first stop was the Shanghai First National Congress Site. With the guidance of a docent, the students learned immersively about the founding history of the Communist Party of China. Yumitijiang, from Kashgar, Xinjiang, shared that this vivid historical journey, combined with the care he felt through the JOBB program from all sectors of society, strengthened his original aspirations and bolstered his confidence and determination to forge ahead in his future career.
The second stop was the China Printing Museum in Shanghai. Through the careful planning and enthusiastic guidance of the museum staff, the students learned progressively about the development of Chinese printing technology. They compared this ancient traditional skill to the skills they were currently learning, which deepened their understanding of how technological progress drives social development. Interestingly, the museum featured a special exhibit on Kucha culture, with artisans having replicated the Kizil Caves to scale, which resonated deeply with the three students from Kashgar.
China Printing Museum
Kucha is a significant historical and cultural heritage site in Xinjiang. The Kizil Caves, located in the Mingwutage Mountain cliffs 7 km southeast of Kezi'er Town in Baicheng County, are the oldest known grottoes in China and are rich in variety. They are representative of Kucha grottoes, with unique cave structures and mural styles that illustrate the spread of Buddhism from the western regions to the east, and the localization process formed during its spread. This site is one of the most important Buddhist relics along the Silk Road. Seeing their homeland's culture represented here filled Tur, Yumitijiang, and Ayitu with immense pride. They were happy to have the opportunity to share Xinjiang's rich history and cultural resources with their peers from other places and were impressed by how well these relics and historical materials were preserved. It also gave them a direct appreciation for Shanghai's inclusive spirit.
For lunch, the students had pizza together. After several weeks of intensive baking lessons, they remarked that they now viewed pizza with a different perspective. In a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere, the students and teachers shared their thoughts on life and learning, and laughter filled the room.
After lunch, they visited the Bund, taking in the panoramic view of the urban landscape along both banks of the Huangpu River. The modern skyscrapers and the historical buildings along the river left a deep visual impression on the students, especially those from Xinjiang, allowing them to experience the unique charm of the "Magic City."
The Bund
Team-building days are an integral part of the JOBB program, supplementing the learning of baking skills with a variety of cultural experiences. These activities help the students develop a broader perspective and foster team cohesion, greatly benefiting them as they aim to create better products and integrate into society in the future.