Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School

Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School (丽江民族孤儿院 Lì-jiāng mín-zú gū-ér-yuàn) is a long-term institution based in Lijiang City (丽江), Yunnan Province (云南省), China, dedicated to providing education, housing, and support for orphans, particularly those affected by natural disasters like the 1996 and 1998 Lijiang earthquakes and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. The school offers a nurturing environment for approximately 300 orphans from various ethnic backgrounds, including Naxi (纳西), Han (汉), Bai (白), and Yi (彝).

History of Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School

Foundation and Mission

Founded in 1999, the Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School was created as a response to the devastating earthquakes that left many children orphaned, particularly the 1996 and 1998 earthquakes in Lijiang, and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Initially, it was supported by the China Children and Teenagers’ Fund (中国儿童少年基金会), which initiated the Ethnic Orphan Rescue Fund in 2005 to help children from ethnic minority regions in border areas. The school became the only educational institution under this fund.

The school was established to offer free education, housing, and care for children from impoverished ethnic regions, including those who were unable to be cared for by their families due to various hardships. Over the years, it has grown into an essential educational institution for orphans and vulnerable children, providing them with both formal education and emotional support.

Contributions and Support

Since its inception, the school has received significant assistance from various government entities, including the central government, local authorities, the China Children and Teenagers’ Fund, and social donors. These collaborations helped the school grow steadily and maintain a healthy development trajectory.

The School’s Transformation and Future

Transition and New Mission

With the completion of China’s poverty alleviation campaign by the end of 2020, where all impoverished counties achieved “two guarantees and three protections” (guaranteeing food, clothing, compulsory education, basic medical care, and safe housing), the mission of the Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School has been fulfilled. The school has transitioned its focus, with students returning to their hometowns to continue their education in local schools.

The Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School has now been transformed into the Lijiang Ethnic Special Education School (丽江民族特殊教育学校), and the staff has begun training in special education in preparation for this new chapter.

Student Home Visits

To ensure a smooth transition for each child, the school organized home visits to ensure the safe return of all students to their respective hometowns. This process was closely monitored to ensure that each child could continue their education seamlessly in their local communities.

Teacher Training

The entire staff of the Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School has participated in training programs to adapt to the new educational model. Teachers have begun their new roles in this restructured school system, and the transition is underway with great optimism.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Though it is difficult to say goodbye to the long history of the school, the connection with the students and their families will continue. A quote from the school reads, “It’s hard to say goodbye, but it’s not hard to continue. No matter how far apart we are, we will always be together.” This message embodies the enduring spirit of community fostered at Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School.

Over the years, Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School has nurtured and educated more than 1,000 students, giving them a chance at a better future. Its contributions to education in Lijiang (丽江) and beyond are significant, and its legacy will always be remembered.

The School’s Unique Environment

“A Family-Oriented School”

Although the Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School is an educational institution, it has often been described as a big family. The principal, affectionately known as “Hu Mama” (胡妈妈), or “Lijiang Mama” (丽江妈妈), plays the role of a mother figure to the children. Her residence is a traditional Yi (彝) wooden house that captures the essence of ethnic culture.

The dormitories at the school are also culturally significant, with architectural styles reflecting the various ethnic traditions of the children. For example, the girls’ dormitories are designed with a more refined, nurturing atmosphere. Older girls have their own rooms, and there is a special area for learning music, calligraphy, and painting. According to Hu Mama, this is to ensure that “daughters are cared for and nurtured properly.”

Self-Sufficiency and Agricultural Projects

Much of the school’s resources are self-sustained. The students have built stone walls around the school, and they maintain vegetable gardens. In addition, the school has a farm and orchard located in Lashihai (拉市海), where each grade is responsible for a designated area of the farm. The school also produces its own jams, organic fruits, vegetables, and natural honey, all of which are showcased in the school’s hall.

The students also create artwork using leaves gathered from the mountains, forming intricate leaf paintings that reflect their creativity. These works of art are displayed alongside photographs of the various ethnic groups living harmoniously within the school.

“Happiness Home” (幸福家园)

One distinctive feature of the school is the “Happiness Home” (幸福家园), where children place their drawings of “mom” and “dad.” Some children draw clear images of their parents, while others create vague representations, as they may have been too young to remember their parents after losing them.

A touching story is shared about one child who asked whether a chip could be created to turn dreams into photographs. This student often dreams of his parents and wishes he could see them more clearly. Before lessons begin, the students bow to the “Happiness Home” and their drawings of their parents, symbolizing their commitment to studying hard.

Teaching Philosophy and Community Spirit

At the Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School, there is a unique teaching philosophy. There are no honor rolls or rankings displayed in the classrooms. Instead, teachers treat the children like family, and the older students act as older siblings, looking after the younger ones.

The school has created an environment where kindness and compassion are paramount. For example, if a student drops food during a meal, teachers and older students will quietly pick it up and eat it without any reprimand. This gesture reflects the spirit of care and mutual support that defines the school.

Legacy and Continuing Contributions

Over the past two decades, the Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School has impacted the lives of many children from poor, rural, ethnic minority areas, including Yunnan (云南), Xinjiang (新疆), Tibet (西藏), Guangxi (广西), Jilin (吉林), Shandong (山东), and the regions affected by the Wenchuan Earthquake (汶川地震). The school has educated over 1,000 students, providing them with the opportunity to attend high school, university, or vocational training schools.

The school has played an essential role in contributing to Lijiang’s efforts to reduce school dropouts and provide education to underprivileged children. Its legacy will always be remembered as a beacon of hope for orphaned and vulnerable children across the region.

The Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all the donors and supporters who have helped it achieve its mission. It wishes them good health and success in their endeavors, and looks forward to the continued success of the students who have passed through its doors.

This reorganization ensures that the history, transformation, environment, and achievements of the Lijiang Ethnic Orphan School are clearly presented. Each section provides a comprehensive overview, preserving the original details and cultural significance while offering an easy-to-read structure.