Targeted poverty alleviation leads to happy life

Deng Xuesheng's wife accepts an interview

"They have three daughters. One of them is studying Economics at Sichuan University, another one is studying Food Quality and Safety at the Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and yet another one is studying at high school in Dali. We must help the girls to finish their education," said one of the villagers. On November 5th, 2019, a group of people gathered in the courtyard of Deng Xuesheng in Juxiang Village in the Yongchun Township of Weixi Lisu Autonomous County. The villagers were determined that no family should slip back into poverty because of their children's education.

In Juxiang, every family stresses the importance of educating their children, whether they are boys or girls."With the care of the party and the government, it is not difficult," Deng's wife smiled. "My husband now earns 1,500 yuan (US$ 216.83) per month as a school security guard. I earn a monthly wage of 1,300 yuan (US$ 187.92) as a cleaner and a ranger. I am grateful to the party, the government and everyone."

"Not just that," said Deng. In 2017, his family received a subsidy of 20,000 yuan (US$ 2,891.09) towards building a new home. In addition, they can apply for a loan of 8,000 yuan (US$ 1,156.44) to pay for the children's tuition. 

To boost targeted poverty alleviation, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture has introduced 14-year compulsory education. This means that education is free until university.

"I am proud to be part of the process of targeted poverty alleviation," said Zhao Jianghong. Not only the Deng family, but the whole village have benefited from targeted poverty alleviation. Now the villagers are living increasingly satisfying lives. (Yunnan Daily)