Deep in the mountains of Yunnan, China, there is one affectionately called"Guardian of the Mountain Girl", she is Zhang Guimei. Zhang Guimei is not only an educator, but also a selfless devotee, who has dedicated her life to the cause of education, especially for girls living in poor mountainous areas.
Zhang Guimei's true story is a story of perseverance and sacrifice. Born in 1957, Zhang Guimei has been passionate about education since she was a child. As an adult, she chose a different path – instead of going to the big city to pursue personal development, she returned to her hometown, a remote mountainous area, and began her career as an educator.
There, Zhang discovered the reality that many girls were unable to attend school because of their poor families. She knew how important education was to change the fate of these girls, and she was determined to provide them with access to education. With her efforts, in 1997, she established China's first all-free girls' high school in Huaping County, Yunnan Province, Huaping Girls' High School.
The establishment of Huaping Girls' High School has opened the door to knowledge for countless girls from poor families. Zhang Guimei not only serves as the principal herself, but also teaches herself, and her teaching method is rigorous and loving, believing that every girl has the right to a good education and has the potential to make her own future.
Zhang Guimei's true contribution is obvious. Under her leadership, the students of Huaping Girls' High School achieved excellent results, and many girls were admitted to university, changing their fate. According to statistics, since its establishment, more than 1,800 girls have graduated from Huaping Girls' High School, and many of them have gone on to further their studies and become useful talents in society. How does Zhang Guimei devote all her enthusiasm to the cause of education? Her approach is simple and determined: endless work and constant self-sacrifice. She works more than ten hours a day, not only to manage the school, but also to care about the learning and life of every student. She often gave up her time off and continued to work even when she was sick, just to make sure that the school could function properly and that the girls could study with peace of mind.
Zhang Guimei's story is a story of love and devotion. She proved the power of education with her actions, and also showed a person's commitment to social responsibility. Her contribution is not just numerical, but also touching. She showed us that on the road of education, there is such a woman, with her wisdom and love, who has lit one beacon of hope after another.
Zhang Guimei's story inspires each of us and reminds us not to forget the children who live in remote areas and are hungry for knowledge. She uses her real actions to interpret what a true educator is and what is a true dedication. Zhang Guimei, the guardian of this mountain girl, uses her life to tell us that education can change destiny and love can convey hope.
On December 3, 2020, he was awarded the title of "National Outstanding Communist Party Member"; On December 10, he was awarded the title of Model of the Times by the Propaganda Department of the Central Committee. On February 17, 2021, he was named "Moving China 2020 Person of the Year"; On February 25, it was awarded the honorary title of "National Model for Poverty Alleviation"; On June 29, Zhang Guimei was awarded the "July 1st Medal" and spoke at the "July 1st Medal" awarding ceremony. In November 2021, he was awarded the honorary title of National Moral Model.