TYGlobe

Boosting rural education revitalization and empowering college students’ grassroots practice, the "Next Stop Ahead" volunteer teaching program, jointly initiated by Lawyer Shi Jianfu and the Criminal Law School of East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL), has carried forward its mission for two decades with unwavering original aspiration and persistent strides.

In 2026, the 18th volunteer teaching activity was launched as scheduled in Xingjie Town, Xichou County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Relying on local community venues, the multi-day volunteer teaching program was carried out. Governments at all local levels offered full support to the volunteer team to ensure the orderly implementation of the education support initiative. Lawyer Shi Jianfu, Senior Partner of our firm, has long devoted himself to safeguarding this public welfare undertaking. Once again, he traveled thousands of miles to the mountainous regions of southern Yunnan, accompanying student volunteers throughout the program as they engaged in rural education support at the grassroots level.

Throughout the volunteer teaching period, ECUPL student volunteers maintained a full and well-organized daily schedule. In class, tailored to the growth needs of rural children, volunteers delivered diverse featured courses including red ideological education, traditional Chinese culture, art and aesthetic education, psychological counseling and safety popularization. Breaking the bounds of conventional classrooms, they broadened the horizons of mountain children through lively interactive teaching. After daily classes, the team organized a variety of after-school activities such as fun sports meets and small theatrical performances to enrich children’s holiday life. Meanwhile, volunteers spared spare time to patiently listen to left-behind children’s inner voices, carefully documenting their family circumstances, academic difficulties and aspirations. With consistent tender companionship, they comprehensively safeguarded the physical and mental health of rural teenagers.

Since founding the volunteer teaching program in 2007, Lawyer Shi Jianfu has sustained this youth public welfare initiative through long-term commitment, taking an in-depth part in activity preparation and on-site implementation. From preliminary volunteer recruitment, curriculum development and teaching supplies preparation to on-site supervision throughout the program, he has spent 20 years building a platform for successive generations of ECUPL youth to go to grassroots communities and practice public welfare. Dedicating himself quietly in remote areas, Lawyer Shi demonstrates sincere devotion to children and consistent pursuit of good. With gentle and steady guidance, he enables young students to truly perceive the value and significance of public welfare, earning recognition as a trusted and respected mentor among all volunteers.

Fulfilling public welfare missions and shouldering social responsibilities constitute the core philosophy that Shanghai Tianyuge Law Firm upholds consistently. The firm continuously encourages all lawyers to step out of offices and participate extensively in student assistance, public welfare services and other social initiatives. Giving back to society with the compassion and commitment of legal professionals, the firm keeps conveying positive and heartwarming public welfare energy.