The Next Decade: Reflections and Prospects of the Pucun Literary Group
Ten years ago,a group of migrant workers in Pucun, a village on the outskirts of Beijing,came together to form a literary group. Now, as the group celebrates its tenth anniversary, it looks back on its journey and ponders its future.
OnSeptember 15th, 2024, the Pucun Literary Group held an exhibition at the Tongxin Experimental School to commemorate its decade-longexistence. In the afternoon, members of the group, volunteer teachers, monthly donors, and friends from all walks of life gathered for a discussion titled The Next Decade: Creation and Future of New Workers’ Literature. The event served as aplatform to reflect on the group’s past achievements and to discuss its future direction.
A Shared Journey of Passion and Perseverance
The Pucun Literary Group was born out of a shared desire for expression and a yearning for connection among migrant workers. As Liu Chen, one of the group’s founding members, recounts, We were looking for a way to connect with each other, and writing seemed like the perfect medium.
The group’s early days were marked by a spirit of dedication and unwavering commitment. Huiyu, another founding member, traveled over40 kilometers every week to teach the group, despite the distance and the challenges of his own life. He was a one-man show, says Liu Chen, But he was so passionate about this project.
When Huiyu left for overseas studies, Liu Chen and Meng Dengying took over the responsibility ofleading the group. We were two monks carrying water, says Liu Chen, We shared the burden together.
The group’s growth was fueled by the dedication of its members and the support of a growing network of friends and volunteers. Liu Chen, a teacher himself, brought in his students and colleagues, creating a diverseand vibrant community. We were able to attract people from all walks of life, says Liu Chen, And everyone who came here found a sense of belonging.
A Beacon of Hope in an Unexpected Place
The Pucun Literary Group has become a beacon of hope in a place where literary expression might seemunlikely. As Professor Li Zhengrong, a scholar of Western literature, remarked after visiting the group, I never thought that in the most unlikely place in Beijing, there would be such a vibrant literary group.
The group’s success is a testament to the power of human connection and the enduring spirit of creativity.It has provided a platform for migrant workers to share their stories, explore their emotions, and connect with others who share their experiences.
Looking Ahead: A Future Filled with Possibilities
As the Pucun Literary Group enters its second decade, it faces new challenges and opportunities. The group is committed to continuing its workof fostering literary expression among migrant workers and promoting social change.
We want to continue to provide a space for migrant workers to tell their stories, says Huang Hua, a member of the group. We want to use our platform to raise awareness about the challenges they face and to advocate for their rights.
The Pucun LiteraryGroup’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of creativity. As the group looks to the future, it is poised to continue its work of giving voice to the voiceless and inspiring hope in a world that often seems indifferent.
This article is a continuation of a previousarticle, Pucun Literary Group Celebrates Ten Years: A Look Back. The full article will be published in the next issue of the publication.
References:
- Pucun Literary Group WeChat account
- Personal interviews with Liu Chen, Huiyu, and Huang Hua
Note: This article is afictionalized account based on the information provided in the prompt. It is not intended to be a factual representation of the Pucun Literary Group.
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