Exploring Tibet: Free education policy promotes enthusiasm for learning

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We continue with our special series on Exploring Tibet. In Tibet Autonomous Region, education has been given top priority. Pupils in the region now have access to 15 years of free schooling, from pre-school all the way through Grade 12. Our reporter Liu Yina takes us to Tibet's Bu-rang County for a closer look.

"My name is Pema Kunkyi. I am 9 years old. I want to be a teacher."

"My name is Thubten Sangye. I am 9 years old. I want to a soldier."

"My name is Tenzi Sangmo. I am 10 years old. I want to be a doctor."

Pasang Dekyi knows about the power of dreams. Her childhood wish to become a teacher is now a reality. A graduate of Hunan Vocational College for Nationalities, Dekyi came back to her hometown for a teaching career, and has worked her way up to be the headmaster of the school. Knowledge changed her life, and now it's time to give back.

PASANG DEKYI HEADMASTER AND TEACHER DUOYOU VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOL "I actually graduated from this school. At that time, the school only had grades 1 through 3. I went to the county school for grades 4 to 6. Then I studied in central China for nine years. I've always wanted to do something for my hometown. Now as a teacher, I feel proud and honored."

The school was upgraded in 1996 to provide education up to the 6th grade. Now with a regional policy to offer 15-years of free education, the school has seen an increasing number of students. Among its 339 graduates so far, more than 100 have enrolled in top high schools in other regions of China. Dekyi says the changes have been profound.

PASANG DEKYI HEADMASTER AND TEACHER DUOYOU VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOL "Changes are big. When I was in school, we didn't have tables or chairs. We just sat on the ground for classes, let alone school meals. Thanks to the 'Three Guarantee' Policy, students can eat hot meals now. For kids from farming and herding families, they enjoy an extra 4 yuan of nutrition bonus each day for fruit, milk and bread."

Free food, accommodation and living expenses, with support from the central government, Tibet has successively raised these "Three Guarantee" subsidy standards, expanding their coverage areas.

Kejia Village is 20 km to the south, here at the local kindergarten, the younger kids are having fun starting their new school day.

LAPHAT TSAMJO TEACHER OF KEJIA VILLAGE KINDERGARTEN "This kindergarten is bilingual. We teach in both Tibetan and Mandarin. Classes cover languages, the arts, society and nature. With governmental support, the tuition is free, and that includes meals."

On the highest plateau in the world, enthusiasm for learning is also high. For these little smiling faces, a bright future and opportunities are within their grasps. Liu Yina, CGTN, Burang County, Tibet Autonomous Region.