Pen Pals: The Wings of Youth

This pen pal initiative, titled “The Wings of Youth,” brought together students from St. Francis Preparatory School’s Ancient Technology and Craftsmanship Club along with other students from the school. Hosted by Librareads, the project created a unique opportunity for English learning among students from the urban village areas of Tong’an District, Xiamen, China.

In rural parts of China, many children do not begin learning English until as late as third grade — or even seventh grade. In today’s increasingly globalized world, they are often like forgotten children, left behind by the march of time. This program aims to bridge that gap by connecting them with American high school students through an English-language pen pal exchange. This not only strengthens their vocabulary and practical English communication skills, but also empowers them to see beyond the limitations of their local environment.

At the same time, it offers American students a rare chance to learn about the lives of underprivileged children in China and to engage with a culture that may be unfamiliar to them. Through thoughtful, meaningful letter exchanges — all of which are reviewed to ensure appropriate content — the project fosters mutual understanding and respect.

Above all, Librareads hopes this program promotes awareness of educational equity and inspires broader recognition of every student’s right to learn, connect, and grow — no matter where they come from.

Below are some pictures of children submitting their pen pal letters in Fujian, China.