Ma Jianxia, 27, is the headmaster of Central Elementary School of Dapingzi Village in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Located deep in the mountains, the school has no highway access; supplies must be carried by horseback along a narrow nine-kilometer trail. Poor transportation has prevented some children in the village from attending school.

In 2003, only 40 students attended the school. Since 2003, Ma has worked diligently to increase attendance —more than 180 attend the school today.

For years, Ma has voiced support for 100-percent elementary education coverage in the remote village. Thanks to Ma's efforts, a new boarding school will open next year and a new highway will start construction in 2013, with a total investment of 68.9 million yuan (US$11.03 million).

Ma was awarded the May Fourth Medal by the provincial authorities in 2012 and elected the delegate to the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)