Laiwu district of Jinan, China, with its vast hilly terrain, faced safety concerns for students waiting at makeshift bus stops along the roadside, especially during extreme weather conditions. The inconvenience of "waiting without shelter" troubled these rural parents and students. In 2020, as part of the new era's civic practice initiatives, Laiwu district transformed the simple container houses into the "Student Stations," earning unanimous approval. By 2023, the district had implemented a comprehensive plan, establishing a sustainable model of "government guidance, community involvement, and public benefits." This initiative achieved full coverage of the "Student Stations," ensuring worry-free waiting for students. The small "Student Stations" gained widespread attention, with media outlets praising their positive impact and significant community engagement.

Small Stations Serve a Big Purpose, Providing Shelter and Warmth

At 5:50 am, in the pitch-darkness and freezing temperature of -14℃, the "Student Station" in Nandianzi Village, Dawangzhuang Town, Laiwu district, was already brightly lit, standing out in the night.

Students gathered here early, chatting and laughing in small groups. Upon entering, the warmth enveloped the reporter, showcasing the comfort this "shelter" provided to students. Though modest in size, the clean and tidy interior, equipped with benches, books, heating, and surveillance cameras, offered a space for students to study, chat, or rest while waiting for the bus. Parents could also keep an eye on their children through indoor surveillance.

"In the past, especially in winter, children waiting for the bus would have cold hands and feet, their little cheeks turning red from the cold. With the Student Station, parents no longer worry about their children freezing; I feel at ease leaving my child here," said Zhu Hongmei, a parent.

By the end of 2023, a total of 312 waiting points had been established, connecting 201 school buses, 382 routes, and 47 primary and secondary schools, serving 7,589 students and achieving full coverage of the "Student Stations."

Small Stations Spread Big Warmth, Boosting Laiwu's Positive Energy

 The "Student Station," as a heartwarming project caring for the growth of rural children, garnered positive feedback from the community since its launch.

Laiwu district established the "Student Station" public welfare fund, supervised by the district charity federation and implemented by the volunteer service federation, managing funds in accordance with the principles of "project-based, product-oriented, and public welfare-oriented."

After the public fundraising campaign was launched, more than 2 million yuan was collected in a week, reaching 4.02 million yuan in a month. This fundraising event is the most widespread, fastest, and highest amount in Laiwu's charity history. Government agencies, businesses, charitable organizations, and individuals actively donated, showcasing the simple and kind qualities of the Laiwu people.

With ample funds and urgent student needs, the initially planned three-year construction of the "Student Stations" was completed by the end of 2023.

Small Stations Attract Big Attention, Bringing Significant Positive Impact

More and more people are learning about and visiting the "Student Stations." The displayed "Great Love of Laiwu" is gradually becoming its brand and promotional window, deeply embedded in Laiwu's urban identity and etched into the hearts of its residents, remaining timeless.

It showcases a Laiwu filled with love and positive energy. The positive impact of the "Student Station" continues to attract significant attention.

Through the lens of the "Student Station," we witness the qualities of love and warmth defining Laiwu. Guided by these values, the million residents of Laiwu stand united, building the city with love, as one shared effort, creating a magnificent force to build a modern, new Laiwu.