On 28 June 2017, renowned Chinese singer and actor, a member of the pop band TFBOYS, Wang Yuan visited UNICEF China office. He was going to be appointed by UNICEF as Special Advocate for Education, advocating for the right to quality education for every child.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

Before the appointment ceremony, Wang Yuan was received by UNICEF China Deputy Representative, Dr. Douglas Noble, and other UNICEF staffers. Dr. Noble shared with Wang Yuan how UNICEF has been working to improve the rights and welfare of every child in China and across the world, since its establishment 70 years ago.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

During the meeting, Wang Yuan said he is committed to help more children to have access to quality education.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

Ten children from a primary school in Shunyi, suburban Beijing, who were invited to the ceremony, also visited the UNICEF China office.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

Wang Yuan and the students toured the UNICEF Compound in Beijing.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

They visited the office building of UNICEF China together.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

At the Education Section`s office, Wang Yuan and the children found a series of materials developed for education projects, including children`s books, textbooks developed to help strengthen rural students` social-emotional skills as well as recreational kits.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

UNICEF China`s Education Specialist, Dr. Guo Xiaoping, introduced the Child Friendly School project to the students and Wang Yuan.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

Dr. Guo Xiaoping shared with the students and Wang Yuan a brief introduction of UNICEF China`s projects on pre-school education, basic education and non-formal education for adolescents. She highlighted the Child Friendly School project, which is being implemented in Western China in partnership with the Ministry of Education. A child friendly school is one that is designed for the best interests of the child. UNICEF believes that children come first and every child, no matter who they are, no matter what part of China they come from, has a right to high quality education.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

Through photos taken from UNICEF China`s project sites, a UNICEF China staff member shared with the students and Wang Yuan how UNICEF-supported projects are changing children`s lives in the impoverished regions of China.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

The children and Wang Yuan were attracted to a series of logos with Chinese characteristics designed for the promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

At the appointment ceremony, Wang Yuan and Dr. Nobel signed an appointment letter.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

Wang Yuan said he is very proud to join UNICEF, adding that it`s not only an honour but also a responsibility. “Education is a right; we should never allow it to be a privilege. Let`s work hard to make education even better in the future,” he said.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

After the event, Wang Yuan interacted with the students, reading their essays and giving comments. He also read out one paragraph of a child`s essay in his native Chongqing dialect.
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Led by Wang Yuan, the children sang a popular song from TFBOYS.
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In a live streaming online, Wang Yuan shared with netizens his school life and home education, and called on the public to do their part for the public good.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

Wang Yuan said as UNICEF Special Advocate for Education, he will use his influence to draw attention to the need for quality education. He also said emotional support is equally important as material support. In addition to material support, children should be provided with loving care and be encouraged, which helps to build their confidence.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

Wang Yuan signs autographs for the children.
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Wang Yuan takes a group photo with the children and their teachers.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong

Wang Yuan will visit the UNICEF-supported Child Friendly School project in the remote rural communities in China, support awareness raising programmes and appear at key public events.
©UNICEF/China/2017/Xia Yong