The way ahead#

Some children in Bai Wan have never left this remotely located mountainous area to see the outside world. There is limited stimulation in their lives to motivate their creativity and their desire to break through the vicious cycle of poverty.

Over-population is the source of poverty in Bai Wan. The government has been trying to relocate Bai Wan residents to places closer to the Qing Yuan city centre. As a result, primary schools in the more remote villages have been closed since 2005. However, it costs a family 7000 RMB to build a new house and the school fees outside Bai Wan are more expensive. As a result, the poorest families have to stay.

Since most of the students are left-behind children, the lack of family support makes it difficult for poor children to improve their grades. However, with the efforts of the teachers, it began to be a little vibrant, for example, art creation saw a little novelty.