A dedicated young teacher in central China’s Zhuzhou City has spent eight years transforming the lives of children with disabilities, providing home-based education to those previously excluded from formal schooling.
Graduating from university in 2013, Chen Yanhui chose to follow in her father's footsteps---returning to her hometown in the small town of Jieshou to become a teacher at the local primary school. But it was a decision in 2016 that would redefine her career and touch the hearts of many; she volunteered to join a special "home-visit teaching" scheme that was designed to accommodate the educational needs of children aged 6 to 15 with disabilities who couldn't attend regular schools.
On weekends and holidays, Chen Yanhui and her father, Chen Erwen, would take a small blackboard, ride on their motorcycle, and travel through rural roads and fields to deliver lessons in reading, writing, and crafts to local children with disabilities. Over the past eight years, they have ridden tens of thousands of kilometers across the countryside.
Born into a rural family herself, Chen said she feels an obligation to to help improve education in her hometown.
"I came back because I felt that the educational situation here [was lacking]. I want the children in my hometown to be able to study more, to go out into the world, and then return to help build a better future for our hometown," said Chen.
At first, her work was met with setbacks. As a fresh graduate, many parents were doubtful of her ability and patience to connect with their children or meet their educational needs. But Chen's father, also a teacher at the school, encouraged her to stay committed. Chen was determined to prove herself and spent most of her time studying teaching materials, accompanying students, and tailoring lesson plans to meet each child's needs.
"She shows great perseverance. She usually doesn't rest even during lunchtime. Instead, she stays in the classroom all day, tutoring students who are having difficulties with their studies. She gets so absorbed that sometimes she even forgets to eat, and I must bring her food to the office," said Chen Erwen.
The young teacher's efforts paid off quickly. In less than a year, her class, once at the bottom of the academic rankings, had soared to the top, earning her the trust of both students and parents.
However, there were still children in the area who were excluded from public schools due to their physical disabilities. In 2016, local authorities in Chaliang County assigned a group of young teachers to give lessons to these children at home. Upon hearing about the news, Chen Yanhui immediately signed up to participate.
Back then, Chen didn't have a vehicle of her own, so she had to walk to the town, rent a motorcycle and travel long distances to teach the children. The students lived in scattered locations, some as far as 20 kilometers away. Chen would always plan her routes in advance and make sure to arrive at the students' homes on time.
To let her daughter travel more easily, the farther used his savings to buy a motorcycle. From then on, every weekend and holiday, the father-daughter duo would set out at dawn and return home as the sun set, crisscrossing over a dozen villages and winding rural roads. For nearly nine years, this routine became a part of their lives.
Gradually, many villagers grew familiar with the young teacher who traveled to their homes to give lessons. In winter, when the roads became icy and slippery, Chen often had to walk into the villages. If she met any villagers along the way, they would volunteer to escort her to the students' homes, with someone even waiting outside to accompany her to the next stop.
"When I came out, I was really shocked. The first thing I saw was an elderly man, blowing on his hands and rubbing them together to warm them up. That scene really touched my heart. He told me, "It's rare to see a teacher like you now.' I told him, 'Actually, there are many people doing this kind of work,'" said Chen.
Chen's motorcycle tail box is always packed with teaching aids and books. For some children who enjoy reading, she brings along newly released picture books. For others who like hands-on activities, she prepares cooked rice and filling to make dumplings or buns with them. Over the past eight years, she has taught 22 special-needs students, preparing individualized lesson plans for each one.
One of Chen's students, 12-year-old Tan Yuhan, has been receiving home-based lessons since he was six. Tan was born with congenital hydrocephalus, and his medical condition made it impossible for him to attend regular school. Over the years, the sound of Chen's motorcycle has become a signal for Tan, who eagerly rushes out of the house to greet his teacher as she approaches.
"Once you're kind to them, they'll be kind to you in return. They are very pure and innocent, without any distracting thoughts," Chen said.
Chen's lessons are not just about reading and writing. She also teaches life skills to help her students become more independent.. For Chen, the greatest reward is seeing these special children grow and develop the confidence to step into the world.
"I believe the teaching profession is a responsibility and a mission for me. For a family, it's a source of hope. If I help a child grasp basic life skills or learn to read and write, I feel like I'm bringing hope to that family. That's why I continue to do this work," said the teacher.
Today, over 20 schools in Chaling county have been involved in the home-visit education program. As students grew older, Chen began to realize the importance of helping them integrate into society in more meaningful ways. In 2022, she met Huang Xiaobo, vice chairman of Zhuzhou Disabled Persons' Federation, who offered her much help in this respect.
"By rallying more social support and combining her home-based teaching with skills training for the disabled, we can reach more people and help even more children with disabilities to lead happy, fulfilling lives and embrace more promising futures," said Huang.
"There are things that, as long as you keep going, you will eventually succeed in. There will always be hope. To put it simply, you are happy, and I am fulfilled. Serving you is worthwhile," said Chen.
Dedicated rural teacher ignites hope for children with disabilities in central China
