China Communications Shanghai Harbor Bureau narrates the first lesson of the school year, 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, began 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" public welfare series organized by CCCC Shanghai Dredging Co., Ltd. Zhao Donghua delivered a unique ideological and scientific lecture titled "Passing the Torch to the Youth," integrating scientific knowledge, engineering culture, the spirit of model workers, 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 involves working deeply in rivers, lakes, and seas, addressing sediment management, clearing waterways, restoring water system ecology, and optimizing aquatic environments to safeguard urban water ecological safety and ensure smooth water flow. Drawing on the 121-year history of CCCC Shanghai Dredging Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, he connected vivid cases of urban water management, detailing major projects such as assisting in the comprehensive management of the Huangpu River, overcoming world-class challenges in the Yangtze River estuary channel, transforming the ecological banks of the Suzhou River, and strengthening urban drainage defenses during typhoon seasons.

The century-long history of dredging development is also a microcosm of the vigorous growth of urban construction. Using familiar life scenarios as a starting point, Zhao Donghua interpreted the power of waterways behind urban transformation: the now clear and green Suzhou River, the riverside walkways where citizens stroll daily, and the smooth and safe urban waterways—all are the results of generations of waterway workers' silent dedication and hard work. 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 established 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 through 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 essence 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 advice 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. He encouraged them to face challenges in learning with courage, to be willing to try and diligent in research, to take responsibility in school, and to practice upward and virtuous character. "Youth has its own strength, striving knows no age, and dreams are valuable in persistence." His sincere words injected a spirit of determination into all the students.

At the classroom activity site, CCCC Shanghai Dredging Co., Ltd. donated a model of the "New Sea Shark," a domestically developed ultra-large self-propelled cutter suction dredger, 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 strength. Principal Lu Yu of Cao Guangbiao Primary School presented Zhao Donghua with a certificate as a special guest for the "First Lesson of the New Semester," thanking him for bringing a science lecture to the students that was both warm, profound, and inspiring.

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 the Suzhou River; from the perseverance and legacy of the older generation 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 their practical efforts. 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. It will deepen its commitment to campus public welfare science education, continuously bringing marine science knowledge, century-old brand culture, and the spirit of model workers in the new era into schools, inspiring young hearts, guiding children to inherit the red gene, hone their skills, cultivate excellent character, and bravely shoulder the mission of the times, striving to run the historical relay race of the new era with determination and vigor.