At the 2025 Visionary Rising Star Awards held on April 25, Oliver LI from SUIS Gubei won the “Charity Ambassador” title with overwhelming support. His “Affordable Solar Community for Zimbabwe” project beat 207 worldwide competitors, securing 9 decisive votes in the final round. Judges praised his logical project design, robust data analysis, and confident presentation during the online Q&A.
The recommendation letter written by a local MP from Zimbabwe for Oliver LI
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” ‘Developing in Harmony, where East Meets West’ is the core value of Xiehe Education. We advocate for ‘Rooted in China, Open to the World,’ encouraging students to transcend national boundaries, engage with global challenges, and appreciate diverse international values. Our mission is to cultivate future leaders with global vision, cultural confidence, and social responsibility.
As a SUIS Gubei student with nearly 11 years of study, Oliver LI exemplifies this ethos through his dedication to addressing critical livelihood issues in third-world countries. His initiatives to empower underserved populations reflect the excellence of SUIS Gubei students who combine academic rigor with compassionate action.”
Oliver learned about Zimbabwe’s cholera outbreaks and water scarcity from his father. Drawing on biology lessons—boiling water kills cholera bacteria—he designed a lightweight, low-cost solar cooker. After refining prototypes, he traveled to Zimbabwe to teach local students how to build the cookers, providing safe drinking water for 50 football players. His team is also producing a documentary to amplify the project’s impact.
Oliver melds technological innovation with humanistic care, transforming visionary ideas from the lab into tangible solutions for Zimbabwean communities. This honor not only celebrates his dedication but also underscores SUIS Gubei’s commitment to fostering global citizens—empowering students to harness knowledge as a tool for global good, proving that education’s true strength lies in its capacity to uplift lives and bridge worlds.
Behind this honor lies the collective effort of many. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Xiehe Education Foundation for their steadfast support and guidance throughout Oliver LI’s project application, laying a solid foundation for its realization. Our teachers’ dedication and expertise nurtured his creativity, while the relentless passion and perseverance of every visionary SUIS Gubei student wove this collective glory. May more “Olivers” rise to global stages, turning sparks of light into a beacon for our times.
