云南学生上学的艰难之旅

In Yunnan province, China’s southwest, the journey to school for children living in rural areas can be very tough. In Mushukan, a small village 2, 000 meters above sea level, it is difficult for local kids to get to school.

A trip to school on horse back - Wang Li is among a group of 14 kids going to school. Like the others, she relies on the mode of transportation normally used in the village. A single trip takes two hours.

But after a while, the low temperature in the mountain area forces the kids to get off the horses. They need a bit of exercise to keep warm.

Since travelling is too difficult for students, the local primary school has recently decided to change schedules and allow students a four-day break after 10 continuous days of school. During the 10 days, students can stay in school accommodation. Now Wang Li and other kids only have to endure the tough journey twice a month.

Still, the parents are not happy with the situation. The local government has financed a fifteen kilometer highway, connecting the village with outside areas. And the villagers have volunteered to help.

Niu Jiangcheng, a villager, said, "We hope the road will open as soon as possible, so that our kids can go to school more easily."

So far, the excavation work has been completed and the road is expected to open by the end of June. At that point, the children will have a much safer journey to school.