Headmaster Yang Lifeng: for the tomorrow of Rural Education

On September 6, when the reporter arrived at Guizhuang Primary School in Jiantou Township, Xincai County, it was already 9 p.m., the headmaster Yang Lifeng was not there, and he had not yet returned from a home visit to the home of student Li Yu.

"it is with this earnestness that Lao Yang has developed this teaching point so well." A staff member of Xincai County Education and Sports Bureau said.

Guizhuang Primary School, located in a remote corner of Xincai County, had less than 20 students a few years ago. When Yang Lifeng was sent to the teaching site in September 2009, he was surprised by the sight: 12 old brick houses were dilapidated, standing in the classroom, looking up and seeing the sky, and the walls of the school collapsed with many gaps that could be crossed by raising their feet.

Yang Lifeng discussed with the school teachers: if the school wants to develop, it must first change its appearance. We should make use of the school's limited funds to improve the conditions for running a school. He took the lead in leading the whole school staff to mend roofs, remove wallskins, repair tables and stools, and build walls, making the school take on a new look.

Yang Lifeng also led the teachers to draw fresh patterns on the school wall in their spare time. The content includes many elements, such as hygiene, love of learning, civilization and so on.

"these paintings make our walls talk." A teacher said that the contents on the wall imperceptibly guide students to improve their health and brighten the eyes of everyone who walks into the campus.

The campus has become more beautiful, retaining teachers and attracting more students. Now, there are more than 100 students in the school. The development of a village teaching site to such a scale has made many local educators give a thumbs up.

Yang Lifeng loves his students as much as his own. There is a child named Gui Jiaxin, whose limbs are disabled and cannot walk, but he is very eager to read. When Gui Jiaxin reached school age, Yang Lifeng took over the special student without hesitation. When Gui Jiaxin was at school, Yang Lifeng personally took care of him, carrying him to the bathroom and lifting his pants for four years.

In a few years, Yang Lifeng turned this teaching site into a "famous school". His class scores are among the best in the township, and the high-quality class competition won the first prize in the county. Yang Lifeng has also won many honorary titles such as excellent teachers in the county.

"for the future of rural education, I am willing to struggle here all the time." Said Yang Lifeng, 39. Reporter Yang Wandong