In the Gaodou Subdistrict of Luozhuang District,Linyi City,Shandong Province,there is an intangible cultural heritage(ICH)guardian named Lei Ning.She holds dual roles as the head of the Linyi Traditional Culture Inheritance Station Ningmeng Art Station and a volunteer with the Gaodou Team of the Luozhuang District Volunteer Service Team for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children.Through her actions,she demonstrates the true meaning of"ICH inheritance with warmth."
In October2023,the first Traditional Culture Inheritance Station in Luozhuang District,Ningmeng Art Station,was inaugurated in Gaodou Subdistrict.Lei Ning stated that the initial inspiration behind creating the ICH art station came from her love for artistic creation and her strong focus on children’s aesthetic education."I hope to bring the intangible cultural heritage of our country to the children of Gaodou.Even if only one out of ten thousand children truly embarks on this path,my efforts will be worthwhile,"she said firmly.
In the nearly two years since the establishment of the art station,Lei Ning has devoted herself wholeheartedly to promoting ICH.She carefully selects project themes,ranging from the charming figures of dough figurines to the delicate and elegant velvet flowers,from the shimmering mother-of-pearl inlays to the vivid paper cutting.These diverse and exciting ICH items serve as keys,opening the doors to the magical world of intangible cultural heritage for the children.
In order to allow more children to fully experience the unique charm of ICH,Lei Ning has actively planned and organized public ICH technique experience classes.Behind nearly30sessions of classroom activities are countless days and nights of her hard work.She contacts the instructors,prepares materials,designs teaching segments,and arranges the venues,taking part in every step.In the classroom,she always smiles,patiently guides the children to practice hands-on,and tells them fascinating historical stories and cultural connotations behind the ICH through lively and interesting language.
As a volunteer for the Gaodou Team of the Volunteer Service Team for Orphaned and Vulnerable Children,Lei Ning also deeply integrates ICH inheritance with love and assistance.This year,she led the team to organize several team-building classes centered on ICH experiences,providing free courses for children from special groups.She tailors the course content according to the children's age and psychological characteristics,allowing them to find joy in ICH creation and dispel the shadows in their hearts.
Lei Ning is also a keen recorder of beauty,carefully documenting the children's progress and offering timely encouragement.She believes that every compliment and expression of love may become a seed of confidence in the children's hearts.At the same time,she never stops learning and continuously enhances her understanding of ICH to better guide the children in appreciating its charm.
Lei Ning’s hard work and selfless dedication have been recognized by society,and she was awarded the title of"Most Beautiful Volunteer of2023"in Luozhuang District.Through her actions,she exemplifies the mission and responsibility of a warm-hearted ICH guardian.She allows ICH to take root in the hearts of children and lets the light of love and hope shine in every instance of ICH inheritance.
(Reporter:Zhuang Huixi,Wu Lin)
