Sense of duty counts

Kuandian government, one of the poorest counties in northeastern Liaoning province, has set a rich example: Despite its lean annual revenue of less than 1 billion yuan, the county has spent over 4 million yuan in weekly transport of more than 4,000 students from their villages to schools.

The boarding schools in 12 towns rotate their holidays in order to let all students enjoy the service of the 12 buses for a maximum of 20 yuan a week. The buses run seven days a week and there are strict rules that bind the drivers to guarantee safe trips for the students.

In this mountainous county, many students had to travel hours from their village homes to schools, either by taking public buses or on foot. The longest journey is 47 kms and safety on the road from home to school used to be a concern for parents and teachers. The county government decided to solve the problem.