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Students in quake-struck SW China start semester in new school

Xinhua, September 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

Students of a middle school in a township in southwest China's Yunnan Province that was hit by an earthquake one year ago moved to a new school building on Tuesday as the new semester began.

Longquan Middle School is located in Longtoushan Township of Ludian County, the epicenter of a 6.5-magnitude earthquake that killed over 610 people in August last year. The students attended classes in makeshift structures after their school was destroyed by the quake.

Li Shanyun, party chief of the town, said the new school covers more than 4.6 hectares. In addition to a teaching building, dining hall, and residential building, the new school also has a library, gymnasium and football field.

"The new school's quality is among the highest in the county. We hope that the school can foster more talent to help the area rid itself of poverty," he said.

Teacher Ma Lin said, "Two students in my class were killed in the quake. The tragedy has made us stronger and more united. The temporary school building was hot in summer and cold in winter, but our students never complained."

Student Yang Hongqi, 16, lost his father in the earthquake and his home collapsed during the disaster.

"Many people came to help us after the quake," he said. "I have decided to study harder so I can help others and contribute to my hometown when I grow up." Endi