Touching hearts and minds

The school offers conditions for Sun's daughter, who is now a fourth-grader, to harness her interests. Inspired by animations, she is fond of playing soccer and joined the school team last year, attending training almost every day. Although Sun said he doesn't understand his daughter's passion for a sport that he finds more suitable for boys, the father still supports and accompanies his daughter to training. Sun's only hope is that his little girl can grow up to be healthy.

Guo Min, a 23-year-old local resident, joined the school as a Chinese-language teacher this year. She studied at university in Jilin province — a bigger place with more work opportunities —but decided to return home after graduation. Guo said her current job is fulfilling and she thinks the school has huge potential. The young teacher said many of her friends also teach at the school and are happy with their jobs.

Care and support from Hong Kong are reflected in the development of other educational institutions in Anyuan.

Xiao Shuqiang, president of the Federation of Hong Kong Societies, has given donations for the construction of three campuses in the county since 2007. He has also offered scholarships to local high school graduates who have excelled in their studies.