High in the misty mountains of Yunnan Province in the Chinese mainland, Principal Zhang Guimei launched an ambitious mission: to ensure that every girl from an impoverished background gets the chance to learn. What began as a small, free boarding school has grown into Huaping Girls' High School, a beacon of hope for thousands of young women.
From day one, Zhang prioritized more than textbooks. She hired music teachers, built labs, and offered counseling to help students heal from trauma. Her approach combines patience with high standards – every student must meet clear academic goals to stay in the program, but they receive the support they need to succeed.
Today, thousands of graduates from Huaping have earned spots at top universities across the Chinese mainland. Many are the first in their families to attend college. Their journeys – from rural classrooms to city campuses – reflect the power of education to break cycles of poverty.
"Education was my dream and my duty," says Zhang. "When one girl learns to dream, she inspires others to follow. That's how we change communities."
While the school's mission isn't about charity, it does rely on donations from individuals and organizations nationwide. Yet it's Zhang's relentless care and belief in her students that truly fuels this transformation.
As more young women from Yunnan's villages step into lecture halls and research labs, Zhang Guimei's story reminds us that courage – to teach, to dream, to rise – can move mountains.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
