Xinjiang Vocational Training Centers: Tackling extremism with education and job opportunities

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While terrorism is a global enemy, many countries now help educate and transform those who were once influenced by extremist ideology. In northwestern China, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has introduced vocational training centers to help those who might have otherwise turned to a life of extremism. CGTN's Sun Tianyuan takes us to a center in the city of Hotan.

People came to this educational center in Yutian county for a change. Many were unemployed, under-educated and unfamiliar with the Chinese language. Some of them had committed minor offenses of extremist activities.

ADIL ABUDUREX TRAINEE "I'd have ended up becoming a terrorist if I hadn't come here. I was given another chance to become a better citizen."

Professional skills and Chinese classes are taught at the center to help trainees make a living. They're also required to learn legal knowledge to graduate.

SUN TIANYUAN "Solving and combating extremism doesn't always rely on strict crackdowns and policing. Vocational training centers like this, offer a helping hand, a second chance of self-salvation for those who have gone astray."

Anisah Tursun and Metkurban Kasmu came to their new home a year ago. And they already have plans for their future.

ANISAH TURSUN TRAINEE "We've talked about this. We would like to stay here and get jobs."

The pair earns about 4,000 yuan, or 570 US dollars per month at a local tea factory. It's considered a small fortune in this poverty-stricken town.

METKURBAN KASMU TRAINEE "We usually spend half of our income and send the rest to our parents. They are very happy too."

The couple picks up their younger daughter after school every day. On weekends, they go home and cook a big meal for their parents.

ANISAH TURSUN TRAINEE "My mother needed eye surgery but she couldn't afford it. Local authorities reached out to help her. If it weren't for them, my mother would have never seen this beautiful world or the smiles on our faces."

The mother and daughter hugged and burst into tears when they saw each other again.

ANISAH TURSUN TRAINEE "I can't believe I didn't see that true happiness is always here, within in my reach. But now, my eyes are open."

There are many like Tursun, blinded by religious extremism. But new beginnings always offer new hope and the promise of tomorrow.

A booming night for business at the Hotan night fair. Memetali Memetmin opened his grill in the city over 20 years ago. But it wasn't always like this. A couple of years ago, Hotan was one of China's worst-hit targets for terrorism.

MEMETALI MEMETMIN HOTAN RESIDENT "I was terrified and nervous doing business back then. Thanks to the government, security is a lot better now, so is my business."

21 months without an incident, and the fight against terrorism will continue. Sun Tianyuan, CGTN, Hotan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.