Pupils in China work summer job as museum guides

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Elementary school students have been volunteering as guides to cater to a growing number of summer visitors to China's museums.

A young guide explains more about the antiques in the museum. /CGTN Photo

These children have not only provided an invaluable service to visitors, but have also added a dose of vitality to the sometimes austere atmosphere at museums across the country.

At the Shanxi Museum in the northern provincial capital Taiyuan, child guides have become increasingly popular among visitors.

Visitors have been impressed by the vivid explanations given by the young guides. /CGTN Photo

Visitors say that the children explain the museum's exhibits very vividly, and they have been impressed by their articulation and confidence.

These child guides are aged between 9 and 12 and come from different elementary schools in the city.

But it’s not child's play to become a guide at the museum. All of the kids have to pass a series of tests before they become qualified to officially work at the museum.

Wen Zijian has been looking forward to starting his new job. /CGTN Photo

12-year-old Wen Zijian has been looking forward to volunteering as a guide for a number of years.

He says he’s lucky that he made the grade this time and is excited about his summer job.

He feels that the experience has made him more independent and confident than before.

Chen Ruirui says volunteering is a way to make new friends. /CGTN Photo

9-year-old Chen Ruirui says she enjoys the work a lot but it is much more demanding than she thought.

She says her work is important because it can help people learn more about culture and history.

Students must undergo training before they can become a guide at the museum. /CGTN Photo

The child guides program has become increasingly popular among students and parents in recent years.

Parents believe the experience will not only help their kids' ability in public speaking, but also will be helpful when they apply for middle schools or even universities.

Visitors gather around for an introduction by their guide. /CGTN Photo ‍

The Shanxi Museum started the program in 2007, when only 20 elementary school pupils volunteered to become guides.

But this year, over 400 applied to work at the museum, with only 72 making it through.

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