And what I do in Guangxi…
A couple of years back, I would go to conduct class on my own, organize a sports meet, sing and dance with them as well as donate many goods and material things. Then, as you get to understand them a little bit more, going to their homes, following them as they gradually grow up… you realize that, actually, these were not enough, and they were certainly not the most important. Hence gradually I am thinking about starting a foundation; this can help ensure that they have access to an education.
Before, I went there to teach these children. But now, I also want to nurture the village teachers, for their betterment. This year, I chose some children who are artistically inclined and gifted and I helped craft a 10-year training program for them, until they finish their training at the art university.

One anecdote from my time there…
There was countless moving moments. Every time I volunteer to teach in the village, I always do house visits. I try to understand the daily routine and the life of these villages, young or old.
There was this old man who lived all alone, he was single and had no children of his own. In this small, traditional village, he was also ostracized because, on one hand, he had six fingers. One day, I visited to gift him with a small backpack. He danced round and round like a child and had tears in his eyes. This moment really touched me — it made me think that we can support each other and give each other strength with the smallest of gestures.
Soon after, he stretched out his arm towards me and opened his palm. In it was a tiny snail. I guess this snail was special to him and he allowed me to photograph it. His trust in me made me catch my breath…
This old man has since passed, but his spirit, his smile and his joy then and that moment will remain a lesson that will remain with me forever.
Last year when I was teaching there, I was walking back to the dormitory after class when I heard a young man riding a motorcycle yell out my name: “Teacher Jiang!” For a moment, I was too surprised to remember him. He said, “Don’t you remember me, I am so and so from this class…” When I taught him, he was so little. Now he is so tall! These serendipitous greetings are the best kind. Maybe we both don’t really recall the faces back in time, but the thought that I once played some role in his life gives me a warm and satisfying feeling.