Walking into Kashgar: Skills Empowerment, JOBB on the Way

First Impressions of Kashgar

At the end of May, the JOBB project team traveled to Zepu County and Yecheng County in Xinjiang's Kashgar region to visit the families, schools, and workplaces of students recommended by the Shanghai Aid Xinjiang Front Command. Upon arriving in Kashgar from Shanghai, the JOBB team immediately felt the stark contrast between this ancient frontier city and Shanghai. The skyscrapers and fast-paced life of Shanghai are in sharp contrast to the traditional brick and wood buildings and the leisurely pace of life in Kashgar. The Uyghur residents in Kashgar's streets and alleys are hospitable, and vendors enthusiastically peddle a variety of goods in their thick local accents, filling the entire city with a unique ethnic charm and cultural atmosphere.

Visiting Zepu: Understanding Students' Families

At the Zepu branch of the Kashgar Technical College, the JOBB team met with school leaders, homeroom teachers, and recommended students to learn about the school's mission and characteristics. The school leaders introduced the college's achievements in vocational skills training, especially highlighting the advantages of bilingual education and internship employment. Subsequently, the JOBB team visited the students' homes accompanied by their homeroom teacher. The warm Uyghur families greeted us with a rich spread of fruits, Xinjiang noodles, and kebabs, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

During the visit, we learned that Tursonayi's mother hopes her daughter can learn a skill to be self-reliant and not depend on men, even if she starts her own family in the future. The parents of the two male students showed great interest in the JOBB project and inquired in detail about the differences between baking techniques and traditional Xinjiang pastries. Although they expressed concern about their children studying so far away in Shanghai, they were hopeful that the children could acquire valuable life skills through the program.

Meeting in Yecheng: Supporting Students' Career Dreams

The JOBB team then traveled to Yecheng County to visit the Yecheng Snowy Kunlun Tourism Development Company and met with the recommended student, Aytun. Currently studying tourism management, Aytun has a passion for baking and desires systematic training in baking techniques. We introduced the JOBB project to her and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Aytun is excited about her future baking studies and hopes to enhance her skills through systematic training to build her own career.

The Scenic and Cultural Charm of Kashgar

Kashgar, located on the western edge of the Taklamakan Desert and adjacent to the Tianshan Mountains, is a historic oasis city. The ancient city of Kashgar retains many traditional buildings and winding alleys, showcasing a rich historical and cultural heritage. Walking on the old stone-paved streets feels like stepping back in time to the glorious days of the Silk Road. The bustling markets in the ancient city offer a variety of specialty foods and exquisite handicrafts, exuding a strong ethnic charm and cultural allure. The tall mosques, the melodious call to prayer, and the street performers create a captivating atmosphere.

Meeting Kashgar's Needs with Shanghai's Capabilities

This visit not only allowed us to understand the students' family environments and cultural backgrounds but also gave us a firsthand look at their needs and the ongoing Shanghai Aid Xinjiang projects. In 2023, the Shanghai Aid Xinjiang initiative coordinated the implementation of 94 major aid projects, integrating resources from both the eastern and western regions, significantly benefiting the economic and social development of the Kashgar area.

Adhering to the principles of "teaching one to fish" and "empowerment through skills," JOBB actively participates in the aid efforts, hoping to contribute to the cultivation of baking talents, enrich the catering industry, and strengthen the cultural tourism industry in the region.

Let us look forward to the continued advancement of the Shanghai Aid Xinjiang initiatives; Meeting Kashgar's needs with Shanghai's capabilities; Skills Empowerment in Xinjiang, JOBB on the Way!