On November 11th, I attended the seventh Coming-of-Age Ceremony of the Curionesty Learning Community in Yulin. Walking past various small shops—selling steamed buns, vegetables, meat, coffee, and flowers—I arrived at the event venue.
This year, three students turned 17. Some were eager to grow up, while others were not; some felt ready, while others did not. The adult world may bring them anxiety, fear, and unease, but in their speeches, I saw the turbulence of their inner worlds, the complexity of growth, and the determination to carve their own paths through the fog.
The essence of growth lies in understanding both the limitations of choice and the fact that there are always choices.
Why hold a coming-of-age ceremony at 17? “At what age does one truly become an adult? What defines adulthood? Is it really 18? What about 17? Or even 16? These concepts shouldn’t be solely defined by others.” This was the response from Chi Xiao, the founder of Curionesty.
From Lanting to Yulin, Curionesty Learning Community has been in its new home for over two months. After my last visit to Lanting, we published “Creating a Learning Community Where Kids Don’t Want Vacations”. In these two months, students have not only taken classes in traditional classrooms but have also engaged in activities throughout Yulin, truly embodying learning in the real world.
This is not Curionesty’s first move, and it might not be the last. More than spatial coordinates, the timeline seems more significant. Established in September 2016, Curionesty has facilitated personalized youth development through various activities. Over eight years, it has served as a transition point—some students regain balance and return to everyday life, some find their calling and pursue further studies, while others enter the workforce in search of more answers.
“Our goal is for everyone to be unique—not artificially so, but naturally. Curionesty helps students discover the path that suits them best.”
Throughout these years, Chi Xiao has thoroughly enjoyed being with the students. “Every time I’m with them, I find myself in a better state—whether in conversation, humor, or thought. In that environment, I never need preparation; I always feel at ease.”
Curionesty Learning Community
Founded in September 2016, Curionesty explores alternative paths for youth development. Through flexible, broad-based general education, diverse hands-on projects, and unique learning experiences, students read great books, meet inspiring mentors, gain worldly exposure, learn by doing, explore life directions, rebuild motivation for learning, and become lifelong learners with passion and love.
The Fifth Home
A Learning Path Without Walls
In September, I attended Curionesty’s farewell exhibition at Lanting. The students’ various works and traces of their lives were displayed in the space—over 400 pieces of work, each a testament to their growth.
·Curionesty Learning Community’s “Miracle at the Crossroads” Farewell Exhibition
On the blackboard, a quote read: “Curionesty, known as a hub for creative education, thrives on the philosophy that ‘Learning happens outside the window, the world is the curriculum, and people are the teachers.’ The possibilities are endless. Learning in the real world—we will meet again in the mountains, the countryside, museums, art exhibitions, and the hidden corners of the city…”
In November, I met 20+ students attending the Coming-of-Age Ceremony in Yulin, the fifth home of Curionesty Learning Community. Most students love the new location. Currently, Curionesty has partnered with over 20 spaces in Yulin for various activities and explorations.
·Everyday life in Yulin
Curionesty introduced a Forbes-style ranking system, where students earn money through street stalls and events. On Halloween, they organized “If Today Were My Last Day,” an event held at a café. With the idea that to learn from death, one must face it, they decided to hold a funeral—for themselves and for all things lost. The event quickly filled up, and not only did everyone have fun, but they also made money by offering makeup services.
Curionesty divides its academic year into four themes: Me & Myself, Me & Others, Me & Society, and Me & the Universe. The Coming-of-Age Ceremony marks the transition into the fourth season—Me & the Universe—focusing on “learning to know.”
The UNESCO report “Learning: The Treasure Within” outlines four pillars of knowledge: Learning to Know, Learning to Do, Learning to Live Together, and Learning to Be.
Curionesty’s unique general education tasks even include “Scientific Thinking in Poop, Pee, and Farts,” where students learn basic research skills through bodily functions.
…
“A good school isn’t just about preparing for a good life in the future—a good school itself is a good life.” This was the title of one of Chi Xiao’s speeches and the core belief Curionesty has always upheld.
After recharging at Curionesty, students set out on different life paths. Many go abroad for further studies, while others enter the workforce. So far, over ten graduates have found their own way.
For Chi Xiao, the biggest takeaway from nine years of running Curionesty is that through education, he has rediscovered the world.
