How powerful is 16 years of dedication to poverty alleviation?
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Ding Lian visits the physical-injured elders who live in poverty in Gejiu. [Xinhua] |
Legacy of Love
Every year from September to December, Ding insisted in financing villagers and visiting their children regardless of the long distances involved. Currently, at least 230 youngsters have been fund-aided.
Gao Chaqing was a college-age medical student from an impoverished village in Yunnan. Growing up in poverty, Gao seemed have no chance of higher education. However, Gao graduated with honors under Ding's long-standing help. Turning his back on a great job opportunity with mouth-watering prospects, however, Gao chose to serve the local population in a nearby rural health clinic.
"Passing on my love to the people around me is what I have experienced. And that is exactly what Ding has taught me," said an appreciative Gao, adding that she would do what she could to help her patients living in extreme poverty.
"You lend me a hand when I met difficulties. And I need to repay for all you have done," told Duan Ping, who felt much indebted to Ding for her financial assistance in her junior college education.
The groups who live in rural areas scattered around Yunnan shared a common feature: poverty. Like Duan and Gao, villagers there benefited much from Ding and her volunteers. In return, locals show their great affections.
"Forget what I have done in the past, I want to do more for the poor in the near future," insists Ding, aiming to carry her action of pro-poverty forward.