Editor's Note: 32 Latin American youth who advanced to the final of the 2025 Poverty Alleviation Challenge came to China for exchange and practice. The study tour activities focused on themes such as poverty alleviation empowered by scientific and technological innovation, accessible social construction, and rural revitalization. By visiting cutting-edge scientific research institutions and on-site practices of rural industries and culture, Latin American youth gained an in-depth understanding of China's exploratory experience in poverty alleviation and sustainable development, enhanced their comprehension of China's development philosophy through on-site observation and mutual learning, and injected new impetus into China-Latin America youth cooperation and the sharing of poverty alleviation experience. This article is a report from the Portuguese Channel of Xinhua News Agency.

Original link: https://portuguese.news.cn/20260203/13f729c98b2445958a487e42e34f6385/c.html

Original Title: Latin American Youth Embark on a Poverty Alleviation Study Tour in China

(Translation) Beijing, Feb 3 (Xinhua) — In January 2026, the award-winning student representatives of the grand final of the Poverty Alleviation Challenge 2025 visited China for exchanges and visits. Young students from Latin American countries such as Brazil, Chile and Peru not only conducted in-depth visits and exchanges at Tsinghua University, but also went to grassroots communities in many parts of China to learn about poverty alleviation and development practices on the spot.

At relevant research sites, the students witnessed innovative practices that integrate poverty alleviation work with accessible development, and personally felt the wisdom embodied in the development path of this oriental great power.

On January 20, the students visited the cutting-edge laboratories of the Research Institute for Accessibility Development of Tsinghua University, and gained a close understanding of China's achievements in the innovation and application of new technologies and the promotion of the construction of a "universally accessible" society through interdisciplinary research and scientific and technological innovation.

Mariadaniela Corro Espinoza, a student from the University of Chile, said: "My father is facing difficulties caused by disability at this stage of his life, and it means a lot to me to see how technology can help improve his quality of life. I believe that more opportunities should be provided for people with disabilities. I am convinced that any technology, especially the Chinese technology we have seen today, is committed to benefiting everyone."

The people-oriented concept of scientific and technological development deeply touched these Latin American youth and left an extremely profound impression on them of China's scientific and technological progress.

Diego Patricio Urzúa Escobar, a student from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, said: "I sincerely admire China's development. The development speed here is very fast and is likely to continue. This sets a model for many Latin American countries and points out a development path worthy of learning."

During the visit, Brazilian students also went to Nanjian County in Yunnan Province, southwest China, to conduct research. Brazilian teachers and students visited local photovoltaic power stations and rural schools, learned about intangible cultural heritages such as ethnic traditional dances, and conducted an in-depth investigation on how the tea industry boosts rural revitalization.

Through this investigation, the students systematically understood Nanjian's practical experience in poverty alleviation and rural development, further deepened the consensus between Chinese and Latin American youth on issues such as energy security and differentiated industrial development, and injected youthful momentum into China-Latin America poverty alleviation cooperation.

Marcelo Nicacio Rodrigues, an undergraduate student majoring in International Relations and National Defense at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, said: "After coming to China, I deeply feel that this is a well-organized country where agriculture and cities have achieved a high degree of integration. Unlike some countries where agricultural landscapes and urban spaces are separated from each other, this harmony is clearly visible in China."

In Xizhou Village, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Brazilian young students also experienced the traditional paper-making technique of the Bai ethnic group. They found that every process of traditional paper-making reflects the craftsmen's unswerving craftsmanship spirit; at the same time, the innovative practices carried out by inheritors also provide new ideas for traditional crafts to cope with contemporary challenges.

Marcelo Nicácio Rodrigues pointed out: "I have personally felt the distinct cultural differences between China and Brazil."

Chen Taotao, Professor of Tsinghua University and Director of the Tsinghua University Center for Latin American Studies, said that although Chinese and Latin American youth have differences in cultural backgrounds and other aspects, they should learn from each other. The concept of "harmony and unity" pursued by Chinese civilization for 5,000 years, as well as the poverty alleviation experience accumulated by China over the past decades, provide important enlightenment for mutual learning and exchange between the two sides.

She encouraged young students to observe China's development practices with their own eyes and hearts, and explore inspiring poverty alleviation experiences through factual observation.