French Consul General in Shanghai Joan Valadou Visits JOBB; Multiple Parties Engage in Dialogue on Inclusive Education

On April 13, the public welfare baking training base in Shanghai of the “Ruifeng Vocational Empowerment” (JOBB) Special Fund specially invited Joan Valadou, Consul General of France in Shanghai; Xu Jingkun, the one-armed sailor known as the “Captain of China”; Ji Li, Director of Strategy and Operations of Pinghe Education Group; as well as representatives from Shanghai Jinqiao Group. From different fields, they focused on “inclusive education” and held a face-to-face exchange and interaction with the fourth cohort of JOBB students, supporting socially concerned youth in realizing social value and employment dreams.

As a public welfare project focused on vocational empowerment, JOBB has, since its establishment, adhered to the concept of “universal access to skills, education for all without discrimination.” The project not only focuses on “learning skills,” but is also committed to enabling every student—especially those who require special care, such as individuals with Down syndrome and those on the autism spectrum—to gain equal opportunities for learning and practical participation through skills training.

This visit marked Consul General Valadou’s first time at the JOBB teaching base. Through the introduction of the well-organized materials warehouse, the immersive hands-on public welfare bakery counter, and the warm and supportive teaching environment, the guests were able to truly feel the project team’s “no-difference” dedication to every student, as well as the completeness and professionalism of the teaching system.

In his remarks after the visit, Consul General Valadou highly praised JOBB’s teaching model and its public welfare value, and offered sincere encouragement to each student.

Under the guidance of JOBB graduate Chen Jingyu and current student Qi Chenxiao, the guests became baking “apprentices” and personally participated in the making of baguettes. From degassing and folding to shaping and scoring, they completed each step of the process and witnessed the transformation from dough to bread. Through this interactive exchange, identities and boundaries disappeared, resembling more a shared journey of navigation where participants supported each other and worked together—this fluidity of roles and reconstruction of relationships is the most vivid expression of inclusive education.

Captain Xu Jingkun, drawing on his own experience, shared his understanding of “inclusion.” In his view, “physical disabilities” are often not the main limitation; rather, when a person is labeled as “special” and defined by others, what restricts them is not their ability, but society’s preconceived notions. Captain Xu told JOBB students that true inclusion is not about lowering standards, but about removing invisible barriers, allowing everyone to be seen, understood, and given the opportunity to prove themselves on the same starting line.

Ms. Ji Li, Director of Strategy and Operations of Pinghe Education Group, shared several impressive cases from her educational practice. She once asked teachers and students to complete a meal while blindfolded, in order to experience the daily life of visually impaired individuals. In this short experience, simple actions became difficult and uncertain, and participants suddenly realized that everyday routines often contain real challenges. She pointed out that inclusive education is not only about providing support for “special groups,” but more importantly about helping more people learn to understand differences and perceive others, thereby transforming their own cognitive boundaries and attitudes.

JOBB is committed to becoming a pathway that turns “inclusive education” from a concept into concrete practice. Starting from skills acquisition, it gradually extends into a practical field that supports individuals in overcoming “differences” and being recognized for their “abilities.”

As Captain Xu Jingkun said, “The bigger your heart, the bigger the world.”

Let’s JOBB the future!