A New Era

June 1, International Children's Day.

Li Zhuang, located in the mountainous region of northwestern Yunnan, had come alive early.

All the children who remained in the village rose earlier than usual. They put on the brand-new uniforms the school had just issued, washed up, hurriedly ate breakfast, left their schoolbags behind, and rushed out of their homes, running toward the school in high spirits.

Behind them, the elderly members of their families chased after them, shouting loudly and calling out reminders.

It was not just Li Zhuang. The three or four surrounding villages were showing the same scene.

Whether they lived near or far, the children arrived at the elementary school one after another, some walking and some running.

Completely different from the old houses in the surrounding villages, the school was enclosed by tall walls. It had a spacious, impressive gate, beside which stood a security booth. Funded by the village committee, it employed several middle-aged villagers to take turns watching over the school day and night, maintaining its security and order.

When the children reached the school gate, two villagers in security uniforms stood on either side, anxiously reminding the children who came running toward them to be careful. Whenever a child greeted them in a clear voice, they could not help chuckling happily.

After entering the school gate, the road to the teaching building was lined with trees on both sides. They had clearly been transplanted only recently; their crowns were still bare, and wooden stakes had been placed beneath them for support.

But today, the roadside trees were festooned with decorations, with banners hanging on both sides.

One celebrated International Children's Day, while the other welcomed the honored guests.

At the end of the road stood a brand-new teaching building, with bright, spacious classrooms, new desks