YNU volunteers donate a diesel generator to a local school in Dulongjiang town in order to help them solve the problem of frequent power failures in the area. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

A team from Yunnan University (YNU) visited Dulongjiang, a poor town in Gongshan county, Yunnan province to research living standards and the quality of education in the area, from Jan 11 to 14. 

This visit marked the third time that YNU has made an effort to support education in the area, after the university set up a poverty alleviation program to help develop the town.

Over the past three years, YNU has sent 18 volunteer graduate students to the area, with most of the residents in the town being of Dulong ethnicity. Notable achievements have been made in developing the local education system.

Students’ average grades have risen to the top level in the county, with the help of the volunteers.

The team also set up a special scholarship scheme to subsidize students from low-income families.

During the visit, the team donated a diesel generator and water turbine worth 12,500 yuan ($1,976) to three local schools, in order to cut the number of blackouts which currently plague the schools in the area.

In 2016, the team was recognized by the national education authority for their outstanding work and commitment to the area; in 2017, YNU was honored for its contribution to developing West China.

Volunteers pose for a photograph with local students. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]