At the Kindergarten of China (Hong Kong) English School (CHES), there is a beautiful, enthusiastic foreign teacher everyone affectionately calls Ms Ani. Eight years ago, she and her husband fell in love with China during a trip here. Four years ago, after careful consideration, they settled in Zhongshan. Both she and her two children have enjoyed happy times at CHES. She says the school brings together children from many countries, creating a kind of "mini United Nations," where teachers are caring and classmates are friendly — helping children develop an international perspective from an early age.

Ms Ani, who first came to China for tourism with her husband many years ago, was deeply impressed by the profoundness of Chinese culture and the kindness and inclusiveness of the Chinese people. Eight years ago, they began working and living in a northern city in China. Four years ago, by chance, they moved to Zhongshan and joined CHES Kindergarten.

According to the kindergarten's principal, Ms Ani and other foreign teachers are responsible for guiding children in learning English through play and organizing various English activities. "She truly loves children and understands their needs, so the English games she designs always make the kids happy and fully engaged."

Ms Lei, a parent, also shared that Ms Ani and her fellow foreign teachers have created a full-time, immersive English environment for the children. She expressed surprise at how young her child already speaks standard and fluent English. "Another thing is that the teaching team here is very stable," she added. Other parents revealed that many of them were once "little kids" who had attended this kindergarten themselves.

As one of the earliest bilingual international schools in South China, CHES originated from its kindergarten. For over 30 years, it has been dedicated to nurturing outgoing and innovative talents with bilingual thinking skills and an international perspective. The school offers high-quality bilingual education in kindergarten and primary grades, introduces a significant proportion of international curricula starting in middle school, and implements full English instruction in high school. It collaborates with renowned universities in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, maintaining continuous international exchange programs.

Ms Ani has a son who grew up at CHES Kindergarten, and a daughter enrolled in the secondary section. "My son spent his happy and joyful early childhood years here, and now he is studying in the elementary division." When she first enrolled her children, Ms Ani was particularly drawn to the school's diverse student body — children from many countries gathered together, creating a kind of "mini United Nations" that fosters global awareness and cross-cultural learning from an early age. "Here, they learn English and Chinese while making close friends with children from all corners of the world. Teachers and parents alike discuss how best to help our children grow into the very best versions of themselves," she said. In her view, CHES Kindergarten functions more like a bridge for cultural exchange. This aligns with the assessment made years ago by Ms Li Haifeng, then leader of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council: "China (Hong Kong) English School integrates the finest elements of Eastern and Western education... becoming a vital link connecting overseas Chinese communities with the motherland, and serving as a bridge for cultural integration and friendship between China and the West."