With many local teenagers complaining that there is nothing to do after school, the Zhabei District government decided to set up an activity center for its youth.
Shanghai zhabei District Youth Activity Center, located in Pengpu Community, has become a popular haunt for the district's youth over the past 10 years.
Founded in 1993, the center sits on some 11,000 square meters of land and is divided into three areas: the Education and Leisure Area, the library and the swimming pool.
The facilities are appropriate and excellent for all sorts of activities and classes, including art exhibitions, science exhibitions, theater performances and sports events.
According to Wu Xinsheng, director of the center, it seeks to ensure that from 3:30pm, the end of the school day, children have access to high-quality, affordable and engaging after-school activities, which enhance their learning and overall development.
"We are devoted to serving students, for schools, and for two communities nearby," he said.
A team of qualified teachers and clerks staff the center, among which five teachers have been named "Excellent Teachers" by Chinese professional committees.
"We provide diversified programs that meet the needs and interests of all youth from kindergarten to high school," said Wu Xinsheng. "We are working to develop their full potential."
As classrooms are not the only places for students to explore new ideas, the center has a range of options that keep them learning after school, on the weekends, and all summer long.
As a major part of the Education and Leisure Area, Shanghai Discovery Children's Museum, opened from Tuesday to Sunday, has been warmly welcomed.
"A safe and stimulating place is provided where children can have fun and find playful ways to learn," said Wang Ningning, director of the Children's Museum.
Children aged from two to 12 are encouraged to role play through a number of interactive science, art and music exhibits and educational programs, designed to sparkle children's curiosity and foster their creativity.
A practical life area, where children try adult roles, say, doctor, policeman and shop assistant, helps them enhance problem-solving skills and learn to cooperate with other children.
A science and nature area covers programs including a bubble machine, a light island and air movement exhibits, all of which have proved to be fascinating experiences among children.
"Children here can explore science and nature in a fun way," said Wang Ningning. "Play inspires lifelong learning," she added.
Besides, multicultural exhibits and scenes are integrated throughout the museum.
"I am happy to see the facilities here help children know about other cultures," said Christopher Runckel, a US visitor who was surprised when he paid a visit to the center.
The center also offers a wide variety an extra-curricular classes, ranging from arts and music to computer science, which benefit a number of the district's children.
The classes are flexible in tailoring children's time to their needs, with the enrollment surpassing 5,000 each semester.
Each extra-curricular program usually has at least one qualified teacher with plenty teaching experiences and strong interpersonal skills.
"We've got to do more than just teach our children skills and knowledge," said Hu Wenliang, who teaches calligraphy class. "Character education is what I pursue," he added.
His students are taught to try and discover his or her own style of calligraphy practice, not simply imitating any master's work.
In the past years, a number of his students have attained big prizes in calligraphy contests at state or municipal levels.