One man, many roles

1922

GUIYANG (XINHUA) – Meng Rongda, 59, is the only teacher of a “mini-school”, more precisely a teaching site in Xishan Township of Congjiang County, China.

At present, there are 23 pre-school students and 17 pupils in the first and second grades.

Besides Chinese and math, Meng is also responsible for physical education (PE) and music courses to ensure rural children can also attain a sound basic education.

Meng has been working as a teacher, cook and caretaker at the mini-school since 2015 in the landlocked mountainous areas.

To him, education can change the fate of children and therefore, he devotes himself to lighting up the way ahead for these rural children.

Meng Rongda gives a lesson at Zhongzhai teaching site in Xishan Township of Congjiang County, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. PHOTO: XINHUA
Meng and his wife supervise children during lunch time. PHOTO: XINHUA
Meng with students during a Yao ethnic drum dance lesson. PHOTO: XINHUA