STORY: Reform for the people: Illuminating the future of every child
SHOOTING TIME: recent footage
DATELINE: July 11, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:41
LOCATION: NANCHONG, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Zhijiang Primary School
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WEN ZHIYONG, First principal of Zhijiang Primary School
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WEN ZHIYONG, First principal of Zhijiang Primary School
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): CHEN ZHENYA, Current principal of Zhijiang Primary School
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): CHEN ZHENYA, Current principal of Zhijiang Primary School

STORYLINE:

This is a regular music class in Zhijiang Primary School in Nanchong City. 

It is difficult to imagine that this school once struggled with dilapidated buildings and difficulties in teaching.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): WEN ZHIYONG, First principal of Zhijiang Primary School 
"The Zhijiang Primary School was formerly known as the Bajiao Primary School, which was located halfway up the mountain. The former school covered an area of less than 5 mu (0.33 hectares). Students did not even have a place to do exercise. The entire school had only 10 grey-tile buildings. The journey to class was challenging for many students, as they had to traverse two mountains every day."

In 2004, the school was relocated and rebuilt with paired-up assistance from east China's Zhejiang Province.

In September 2005, the new school was officially put into use, with the facilities significantly improved.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): WEN ZHIYONG, First principal of Zhijiang Primary School
"The school now has a standard playground and beautiful classrooms, with first-class teaching equipment. We have standard art rooms, music rooms, basketball courts, etc. Our labor course has become a major highlight in this region."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): CHEN ZHENYA, Current principal of Zhijiang Primary School
"The teachers dispatched from Zhejiang Province for education assistance here have brought us advanced teaching concepts. In addition to classroom teaching, they also help us to conduct scientific research projects, train our teachers, and hold lectures. The students also have social practice activities under the guidance of these teachers, and have interaction with students in Zhejiang online and offline."

After several rounds of renovation, the Zhijiang Primary School now boasts modern teaching buildings and much more experienced teaching staff.

Thanks to the building of new roads and the implementation of a boarding system, children no longer need to cross mountains to attend school.

And the modern equipment and facilities at school also make it easier for the students to enjoy high-quality education. 

SOUNDBITE 4 (Chinese): CHEN ZHENYA, Current principal of Zhijiang Primary School
"(The school) now covers an area of 100 mu (6.6 hectares). We have opened extracurricular activities for children, such as basketball, football, volleyball and other ball games, as well as dancing, vocal music and other interest groups. We also have a clay sculpture club, which is welcomed by the students."

China has been working to close the education gap between developed and less-developed regions, with a focus on school facilities, and will continue to spend resources on less-developed regions in central and western parts of the country.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nanchong, China.
(XHTV)