China Communications Shanghai Bureau narrates the first lesson of the semester, exploring the "dredging code."

On September 1, the first lesson of the first semester of the 2026 academic year at Cao Guangbiao Primary School in Huangpu District, Shanghai, was held as scheduled. Teachers and students welcomed a special guest lecturer—Professor Zhao Donghua, a recipient of the National May 1st Labor Medal, a Shanghai Model Worker, and a senior research and development expert at CCCC Shanghai Dredging Co., Ltd. This campus science popularization lecture was an important stop in the "Ten Thousand Engineers Enter the Classroom" series of public welfare activities organized by CCCC Shanghai Dredging Co., Ltd. With the theme "Passing the Torch to the Youth," Zhao Donghua delivered a unique ideological and scientific lecture that integrated popular science knowledge, engineering culture, model worker spirit, and patriotic education.

In the classroom, Zhao Donghua used simple and engaging language to unveil the mysterious "dredging code" for the children. He explained the core essence of dredging engineering in an easy-to-understand manner: dredging work focuses on rivers, lakes, and seas, addressing sediment management primarily through clearing waterways, restoring aquatic ecosystems, optimizing water environments, and safeguarding urban water ecological safety and water space connectivity. Drawing on CCCC Shanghai Dredging Co., Ltd.'s 121-year history in Shanghai, he connected vivid cases of urban water management, detailing major projects such as assisting in the comprehensive management of the Huangpu River, tackling world-class channel governance challenges at the Yangtze River Estuary, renovating the ecological embankments of Suzhou Creek, and fortifying urban drainage defenses during typhoon seasons.

The century-long history of dredging development is also a reflection of the vigorous growth of urban construction. Zhao Donghua used familiar life scenes as entry points to interpret the power of waterways behind urban transformation: the now clear and green Suzhou Creek, the riverside walkways where citizens stroll daily, and the smooth and safe urban waterways—all are the results of generations of waterway workers silently persevering and diligently working. This allowed the children to truly feel the close connection between dredging engineering, urban development, and a better life.

To help the children understand the essence of perseverance and innovation, Zhao Donghua shared his personal experiences from the early days of his career in ecological riverbank construction. At that time, there were no mature standards or ready-made technical solutions for ecological river construction in China. The research team rooted themselves on the front lines, stationed by the riverside, repeatedly conducting experiments, recording thousands of sets of research data, and continuously optimizing construction plans. Through numerous attempts and breakthroughs, they overcame technical challenges. Using real stories of scientific research and problem-solving, he encouraged the students present: facing challenges without retreating and persisting despite repeated failures is perseverance; breaking through conventional thinking and daring to explore is innovation; having a broad vision and taking initiative is responsibility. His words vividly illustrated the profound meaning of the spirit of model workers and craftsmanship in the new era.

"Model workers are not an unattainable title, and the spirit of model workers belongs to every aspiring youth." At the end of the class, Zhao Donghua gave heartfelt encouragement to all the students, hoping they would become observers of life, pay attention to the water systems and rivers around them, and protect the ecological beauty nearby; face challenges in learning bravely, try boldly, and study diligently; take initiative in campus responsibilities and practice upward and virtuous character, pursuing dreams and striving to grow with the strength of youth. "Youth has its own power, striving knows no age, and persistence makes dreams valuable." His sincere words infused all the students with the strength to forge ahead.

At the classroom activity site, CCCC Shanghai Dredging Co., Ltd. donated a model of the "New Sea Shark," a super-large self-propelled cutter suction dredger independently developed in China, to Cao Guangbiao Primary School, allowing the children to experience the charm of major national equipment up close and appreciate China's engineering and technological prowess. Principal Lu Yu of Cao Guangbiao Primary School presented Zhao Donghua with a certificate as a special guest for the "First Lesson of the Semester," thanking him for bringing a distinctive science popularization class full of warmth, depth, and strength to the students.

A strong youth leads to a strong nation, and the torch of progress continues to be passed on. From the century-long dedication to dredging along the Huangpu River to the ecological transformation along Suzhou Creek; from the perseverance and legacy of older generations of waterway workers to the relay of progress by the youth of the new era, generations of builders have safeguarded the tranquility of urban rivers and empowered high-quality ecological development through practical actions. In the future, CCCC Shanghai Dredging Co., Ltd. will continue to fulfill its social responsibilities as a central enterprise, focusing on the "Ten Thousand Engineers Enter the Classroom" initiative by CCCC Group, deepening campus public welfare science popularization efforts, and continuously bringing marine science knowledge, century-old brand culture, and the spirit of model workers in the new era into schools to inspire young minds. It aims to guide children to inherit the red gene, hone solid skills, cultivate excellent character, and courageously shoulder the mission of the times, striving to run the historical relay race belonging to the youth generation on the new journey of the new era.