Zhang Guimei sits at her desk in Huaping Girls' High School, surrounded by the echo of young voices. "My girls gave me a reason to go on," she smiles, reflecting on her decade-long mission.
In the misty mountains of Yunnan, education for girls is more than a path to knowledgeit's a lifeline. Zhang founded the school to break the cycle of poverty that once trapped hundreds of girls in remote villages.
Through patient mentorship, music classes, and a curriculum that blends modern technology with local traditions, the school offers a supportive space. Here, students who once fetched water before dawn now use laptops to explore new ideas, while field trips to replant native forests spark passions for environmental stewardship.
What started as a small initiative has grown into a beacon of hope. Today, girls from dozens of villages navigate rugged trails to reach classrooms brimming with ambition. Beyond academics, Zhang emphasizes life skills: budgeting workshops, public speaking clubs, and mental health circles ensure graduates are ready for both university and life.
One alumna now studies engineering at a top university, while another leads a rural health program in Sichuan. Their achievements resonate far beyond Yunnan, inspiring communities worldwide to invest in girls' education as a catalyst for economic growth and social change.
Zhang Guimei's journey shows that transforming lives doesn't require grand gestures but unwavering belief. "Every girl here carries a dream," she says. "My job is to light the path."
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
