October 17th marks China’s National Poverty Relief Day. The day occurs on the same day the world observes the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
This year’s National Poverty Relief Day is special, as China aims to end absolute poverty by the end of this year and realize the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
China has been decisively waging its battle against poverty. Over the past 70 years, a total of 850 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty, contributing over 70 percent to global poverty reduction.
Tsinghua has been actively contributing to the nation’s poverty alleviation drive. Many Tsinghua alumni and students, exhibiting the spirit of social commitment, have gone to underdeveloped areas across China to serve local people and raise them out of poverty.
Jin Feng travelled to Nanjian Yi autonomous county of Dali, Southwest China’s Yunnan province, to serve as the temporary vice county magistrate for two years.
He soon discovered that more than 600 students of Yongcui Middle School in the county were forced to cross a busy road to get to the school every day for lack of a bridge, putting their lives at risk. Determined to help the students, he managed to build a bridge for them.
“I will never forget the 793 days I spent in Nanjian fighting against poverty. My heart will go on with Wuliang Mountain & Lancang River forever,” he shared.
Following the footsteps of his two Tsinghua predecessors, Yu Yichen went to Xishan Village, Nanjian Yi autonomous county of Dali, to serve as the first secretary.
He helped villagers to raise Silkie chickens, giving 1000 free chicks to 21 households in a week. The villagers were finally able to sell these Silkies and support their families.
Yu said “Poverty alleviation is the sacred mission of our generation. We need to offer our sweat and toil to the grassroots of our country.”
How could a Tsinghua PhD student help local people in a faraway small village fight against poverty?
Shen Zhengbo has the answer. He says, “Identify those truly in need. Help them with true sympathy. Remain true to their original aspiration.”
He took the farmers of Xishan Village, Nanjian County, to more developed villages so that they could learn from successful peers. Meanwhile, four cooperatives were built to provide financial assistance to needy families and enable them to pursue a better life.
Writer: Sangeet Sangroula,Long Xinli
Editor: John Olbrich, Liu Shutian
