Class act by top school bringing brighter future to students from Tibet

Tibetan students prepare fro the upcoming Gaokao, China's national university entrance exam, at Nantong Middle School in May. Zhu Xingxin / China Daily

Phuntsok Wangmo said she is luckier than most Tibetan students by having the chance to study for free and experience life in another part of China before getting a chance to see the world.

The 19-year-old, from Lhasa, the Tibet autonomous region, has studied at Nantong Middle School for three years after she gained admission following a test.

"The teachers here are like my parents. They really care about us," she said.

"After graduating from Nantong Middle School, I want to study abroad like my sister," Wangmo said. "I've already got an English name, Andy, because I like it and prefer a boy's name."

The school has six classes of three grades for Tibetan students, with about 40 students in each class.

Founded by Zhang Jian in 1909, the school enjoys a top-class reputation and has enrolled Tibetan students since 2002.

According to Yao Tianyong, principal of the school, after studying in Nantong for three years, most of the Tibetan students will gain admission to top universities.

"Most of the students choose to return to their hometown after pursuing higher education at universities," said Yao.

According to Meng Xiaobing, a 12th grade teacher, the Tibetan students find studying in Nantong an enriching experience and also receive, if needed, comprehensive medical care with free hospital treatment as well as free meals at school.

The Tibetan students are also encouraged to participate in various activities to boost their knowledge of Tibetan culture and language.

During weekends, students learn Tibetan characters, and they publish newsletters, put on the classroom wall, every week.

Other students and teachers celebrate together with Tibetan students when Tibetan festivals fall.

"Many of the Tibetan students come from poor families," said Meng. "Besides giving them scholarships every year, which range from about 20,000 yuan ($3,200) to 30,000 yuan, we also ensure their care on a day-to-day basis."

According to Meng, due to financial restraints, most parents will not visit their children during the three years, but students can call their parents by using a phone provided by the school. The teachers feel responsible for the Tibetan students because they know they are far from home, Meng said.

"Some students in Nyingchi, when they heard that their teachers were in Lhasa for trips, spent a whole day to come there to meet with them," said Yao. "Many of them have become specialists in their field and are helping to build Tibet into a better place."

Tsering Dekyi, a Tibetan student in the 12th grade, said she never forgets her home and remembers in particular the flight that brought her from Tibet, and she knows she will be flying home, one day.