Hangzhou International School Supports Literacy and STEAM Education in Henan

Thanks to the support of Hangzhou International School, a rural elementary school in Henan, China, recently received 10 Reading Corners, 1,252 Chinese-language children’s books, six STEAM science experiment kits, and one globe. This donation benefits all 408 students attending grades 1 through 6, providing new opportunities for reading, discovery, and learning.

Located in a rural community, the school serves children who often have limited access to classroom library resources. By placing Reading Corners directly inside classrooms, students now have daily access to books and educational materials that encourage reading, independent learning, and exploration. The addition of STEAM science experiment kits and a globe further enhances students’ opportunities to develop curiosity about science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and the wider world around them.

Reading Corners are a core program of The Library Project. Each Reading Corner equips classrooms with a dedicated collection of high-quality STEAM books covering Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. By situating libraries directly within the classroom, students and teachers have immediate access to resources that support lesson plans, independent reading, and daily learning activities. Classroom libraries make it easier for students to engage with books throughout the school day, fostering literacy, intellectual curiosity, and lasting enthusiasm for learning. More information about this program can be found on our Reading Corners page.

To ensure the long-term success of the program, all teachers at the school will participate in a one-year teacher training program. Through on-site training, online training, regional workshops, national trainings, and ongoing support, educators will learn how to effectively integrate the Reading Corners into their teaching practices. In addition, the program will undergo comprehensive monitoring and evaluation to ensure both usage and measurable impact, helping The Library Project and the school understand how students and teachers are benefiting from the new resources.

Book selection for each Reading Corner is guided by The Library Project’s Book Content Core Values. These values emphasize STEAM education, inclusion and diversity, environmental protection, girls’ education, promoting world peace, and nurturing the heart and mind. By incorporating these themes into classroom libraries, students gain access to books that not only strengthen literacy skills but also encourage empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness.

“We are grateful for the support of Hangzhou International School and their commitment to children’s literacy,” said Tom Stader, Executive Director & Founder of The Library Project. “This donation provides students with access to books and STEAM resources that will support learning both inside and outside the classroom. We appreciate their partnership and their dedication to expanding educational opportunities for children in rural communities.”

The Library Project remains committed to improving literacy and educational outcomes for children in underserved communities. Through partnerships with schools such as Hangzhou International School, we can continue to provide books, educational resources, teacher training, and ongoing support to help students develop the skills and confidence needed for lifelong learning.