David Beckham meets young children at kindergarten in Shanghai

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Global Icon David Beckham and two 6-year-old children play with building blocks during a visit to Xianghuaqiao Kindergarten on the outskirts of Shanghai, China, on 27th March 2019. [Photo: UNICEF/Ma Yuyuan]

Global Icon David Beckham met with pre-school children on a visit to a kindergarten supporting migrant families in Shanghai last week, on his first official visit to China as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

During his visit, Beckham joined young children in their play and early learning activities at the Xianghuaqiao Kindergarten and spoke with parents who have migrated to Shanghai.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Global Icon David Beckham high fives with a girl during a visit to Xianghuaqiao Kindergarten on the outskirts of Shanghai, China, on 27th March 2019. [Photo: UNICEF/Ma Yuyuan]

“When young children play and learn in a safe environment it gives them the positive experiences they need for healthy development,” said David Beckham during his visit. “Through my work with UNICEF, I’ve learnt how children – especially those affected by migration – benefit from quality early childhood education. It gives them a solid foundation, boosts their confidence and helps them make new friends.”

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Global Icon David Beckham draws a picture during a visit to Xianghuaqiao Kindergarten on the outskirts of Shanghai, China, on 27th March 2019. [Photo: UNICEF/Ma Yuyuan]

The kindergarten is one of seven of its kind where UNICEF is piloting a new project that uses play to strengthen the confidence and social skills of pre-school children aged between 3 and 6 years old who have been affected by migration.

“It’s been amazing to see these young children enjoying the chance to play and learn together. They have big dreams and these positive early experiences will help to unlock their incredible potential in the future,” said Beckham.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Global Icon David Beckham takes a selfie with a group of children during a visit to Xianghuaqiao Kindergarten on the outskirts of Shanghai, China, on 27th March 2019. [Photo: UNICEF/Ma Yuyuan]

China’s economic reform and growth has been accompanied by an increase in migration within the country. It is estimated that over 240 million people have migrated domestically. Nearly 69 million children have been left behind, and 34 million children have migrated nationwide. One out of every five children in urban areas is a migrant child.

(Story includes material sourced from UNICEF.)