An educational exchange video conference linking Fuzhou in China and Tacoma in the United States took place on February 11. The event was facilitated by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Fuzhou Municipal People's Government, bringing together education officials and school leaders from both cities.

Among the attendees were Nian Qi, deputy director of the Fuzhou Education Bureau; Patrick Erwin, director of Educator Pathways, Global Education, Tacoma Public Schools; Theresa Pan, president of the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation; and principals from various high schools in both cities.

During the meeting, Zheng Qirui, principal of Fuzhou Pingdong Middle School, and John Aiken, principal of Mason Middle School in Tacoma, as well as Ke Sheng, principal of Fuzhou No. 19 Middle School, and Nicolas Parks, principal of Truman Middle School in Tacoma, signed agreements to establish new sister school partnerships.

The principals introduced their schools, highlighting their unique educational approaches and exchanging ideas on future collaboration.

Nian Qi emphasized that since Fuzhou and Tacoma became sister cities, education has played a vital role in strengthening their ties. He welcomed the addition of two new pairs of friendly schools and expressed hope for continued expansion of educational exchanges. He also looked forward to fostering deeper understanding and lasting friendships through video conferences, exchanges, and teaching collaborations.

Patrick Erwin echoed this sentiment, reaffirming Tacoma's commitment to working with Fuzhou to enhance student exchanges. He highlighted the importance of cultural experiences in helping young people from both cities build meaningful friendships and broaden their global perspectives.

With the signing of these new agreements, Fuzhou and Tacoma have now established a total of five pairs of sister schools, further deepening their educational and cultural connections.

An educational exchange video conference between Fuzhou and Tacoma takes place on February 11. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]