Tibetan students pursuing career dreams at college

The Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefectures in Sichuan province are home to the second largest Tibetan population in China. With financial support from the central government, a college that was destroyed in the Wenchuan earthquake of 2008 has been relocated to Shuimo Town, the venue of the prefecture's government, to help local students achieve their academic goals.

Dancing comes natural for Tibetan girls. Jin Shaoli has been studying dance at Aba Teachers College for three years. But due to little financial support from her family, continuing her studies at this beautiful campus has not been easy.

Jin Shaoli, Tibetan student at Aba Teachers College, said, "I come from a small village in Aba. With government and school financial support, my living conditions have been pretty good. I am now pursuing my career goals and make my dreams come true."

Jiang Chu Zhaxi, an English major, has been studying for the past 3 years. He receives various grants from the Ministry of Education to pay for his college tuition. Jiang says without the financial aid, he wouldn't have the chance to be the first person from his family to study outside the village.

Jiang Chu Zhaxi said, "After I was admitted to the college, through various college funds, I have been able to continue my education in the college. I really appreciate my family, relatives, and especially the county's policies which have made all these come true for me."

When not studying, he is doing a part time job. Today he is helping organize a rehearsal for the "Guozhuang" dance. In Tibetan, "Guozhuang" means singing and dancing in a circle" Zha Xi told us that all minority students know the "Guozhuang" dance. This collage has about 1200 Tibetan students. Most have not only received financial aid, but also living supplies from the government, as the college encourages them to pursue their career.

From snowsuits and sports wear to notebook and pens, even toothpaste and these little cups, everything here is free of charge for students who need regular financial support. In this college, about 2000 students receive various grants each year. Among them, 28 percent are ethnic minorities.

The devastating 2008 Wenchuan earthquake destroyed this college. But now, the college has been relocated to Shuimo Town where 8000 students are studying now. With direct financial support from the central government, the school was relocated. And school officials say government support has helped many ethnic minority students reach their academic dreams.

Jia Ren, deputy secretary of Party Committee of Aba Teachers College, said, "Now to our small college with only 8000 students, the annual total scholarships and grants total around 10 million Yuan. This is how our students are able to continue their education. They are very grateful to the communist party and the country."

Jin Shaoli and Zha Xi are just two examples of Tibetan students who are pursuing their dream of getting an education in order to have a better life. Like most students, after studying they want to return to their hometowns to contribute their skills and knowledge to help other Tibetan youngsters achieve their career goals.