Spring sets the stage as all things flourish. In this beautiful April, Dehong Shanghai welcomed its 9th Founder’s Day, themed “Community.” Members of the Dehong community, together with long-time supporters, gathered as promised to celebrate this meaningful occasion.
The celebration opened with a powerful performance of Waka Waka, a mass choir of over a hundred students, teachers, and parents. The upbeat rhythm instantly energized the audience, filling the space with joy.
David Yung, Dehong Brand Ambassador, then delivered a speech. From a forward-looking perspective, he explored how rapid societal change is reshaping expectations of education. In the age of AI, he noted, the future of work and society will transform profoundly. Education must stay ahead—equipping students with irreplaceable human capabilities such as leadership, creativity, judgment, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. Dehong’s commitment to holistic education, he emphasized, nurtures resilience and empathy, shaping individuals who think deeply and act with warmth.
Caroline Xu, Executive Principal of Dehong Shanghai, also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the entire community. She shared: “Education today faces both new opportunities and challenges. As we embark on our journey toward our 10th anniversary, we must actively adapt and evolve in response to change.” Looking ahead, Dehong will remain committed to holistic education—prioritizing students’ wellbeing, character development, and lifelong happiness. Through strong home-school partnerships and community collaboration, the school aims to provide a nurturing environment rooted in care, with both local identity and global vision.
Led by distinguished guests including David Yung and Caroline Xu, the audience joined in a countdown. Colorful balloons carrying hopes and blessings rose slowly into the sky—amid cheers, Dehong Shanghai’s 9th Founder’s Day was officially launched.
A Stage Alive with Creativity
On the main stage, members of the Dehong community presented a vibrant array of performances. Student solos, Elementary and Secondary School choirs, and original family compositions took turns to shine. The parent choir’s heartfelt rendition of Beginning of Spring moved the audience deeply. Dance performances brought diverse cultural expressions to life—from the passion of Latin dance and the energy of jazz to the grace of Dai dance and the solemn elegance of Tibetan dance. Instrumental music, recitations, comedy sketches, dragon dance, and fashion showcases added further richness to the programme. A spirited student band competition, followed byan aurora light show and lighting dance after nightfall, pushed the atmosphere to repeated climaxes. More than a visual and auditory feast, the performances reflected Dehong’s holistic education in action—revealing students’ diverse artistic talents and limitless potential.
Sports and Games: Energy in Motion
Dynamic sports activities formed another highlight of the day. On the fields, table tennis rallies flew back and forth, footballs struck the net, and matches in basketball, badminton, pickleball, and tug-of-war unfolded with intensity. Parent-child teams competed side by side, while teacher-student matchups added a playful spirit. Sports became a shared language, connecting the community through friendly competition.
The student-organised Colour Run brought excitement to another peak. Faces painted in bright colours, participants ran to energetic beats—each step celebrating individuality, each splash of colour expressing youthful vitality.
Laughter filled the activity zone, whereinflatable castles, shooting games, mini racing, and claw machines delighted children. A special highlight was the interaction with “happy ponies,” offering a warm and healing springtime experience for all.
Giving Back Together
Beside the stage, the bustling market featured global cuisine, toys, and creative goods. The charity bazaar drew continuous crowds: handmade crafts, school merchandise, and baked goods created by students and parents raised over RMB 26,000, all donated to the “One Planet” Foundation in Shenzhen. Even more heartwarming, students partnered with a local animal shelter to organise adoption and fundraising activities, raising nearly RMB 8,000 to support stray animals. Through these acts, every member of the Dehong community demonstrated a strong sense of social responsibility.
Inside the academic building, the celebration continued. With Earth Day approaching, student creations themed around sustainability were on display—documentaries, paintings, sculptures, and 3D-printed works made from recycled materials. Through diverse artistic forms, students expressed both creativity and a deep understanding of sustainable development, showcasing their global competence and responsibility.
Nine Years Strong, Moving Forward Together. Dehong Shanghai’s 9th Founder’s Day came to a heartfelt close, filled with enthusiasm and sincere wishes from the entire community. We extend our deepest gratitude to all Dehong families for their unwavering support, and to every staff member for their dedication. Over nine years, the school has grown from its founding vision to a thriving community whose graduates now reach across the globe. Every step of this journey has been shaped by collective support and shared commitment. May Dehong Shanghai continue to flourish like spring blossoms—ever vibrant and full of life. And may every student grow here with courage, passion, and dreams, carrying them forward into a wider world.
