Children enjoy an interactive English class during the summer program.

Located off the coast of southeastern China's Fujian province, Pingtan is the province's largest island and the closest point on the Chinese mainland to the island of Taiwan. As it transforms into an international tourism destination and a vital hub for cross-Straits economic and cultural integration, the region is continuously expanding its community support to meet the needs of its growing workforce.

On July 6, the island launched its annual summer childcare program, enrolling more than 680 children of local workers to relieve the seasonal childcare pressures faced by working families.

To maximize convenience, local authorities have established multiple neighborhood centers across the region, achieving full service coverage so families can access care close to home.

Among the sites, Pingtan Sai'er Bilingual School is hosting 10 classes with a curriculum that balances academic support and interactive engagement. Beyond free morning tutoring to help students complete their summer assignments, the school offers over a dozen specialized afternoon courses, including drone piloting, music, arts and crafts, physical education, interactive math games, and English.

"Mornings are dedicated to helping students review schoolwork and bridge learning gaps, while afternoons focus on specialized courses designed to enhance their creative and practical skills," explained Lin Xiaobin, a teacher at the school.

This initiative reflects a long-standing commitment by local labor unions. Since 2019, the Trade Union Federation of Pingtan has organized the summer program for eight consecutive years, running more than 90 classes and serving nearly 2,700 children.

Lin Xiayi, a federation representative, noted that the goal is simply to take the stress out of summer for working parents. By blending neighborhood accessibility, academic help, and fun activities under one safe roof, the program gives parents peace of mind so they can focus on their jobs and keep the island's economy thriving.