The Children's Day In "Cliff Village"

2016/06/03

Zhang Qianran

Recently we’ve seen photos of these kids scaling a cliff on way to school in Liangshan, Sichuan Province.

The difficulties faced by these kids touched netizens, media and the government.

On the last Children’s Day, journalists from The Beijing News spent time with these kids, recording the life in ‘cliff village.’

Chen Rizhi, 13, began her day with shepherding at 7:30am. She and her 15-year-old sister Chen Xingming took turn to shepherd. Today it was Chen Rizhi’s turn. Chen Xingming was assigned to prepare breakfast.

Chen Xingming, the oldest among five kids in her family, was obliged to help parents in housework and parenting. During holidays, she dealt with household works such as washing the clothes of sisters and brothers, and weeding in the field. Other kids were also involved in housework.

The children in Chen’s family were not the only ones to help with housework. Mouseriguo, 9, together with her granny worked in the field. Her father and grandpa died early and her mother remarried, leaving she and her granny dependent on each other for survival.

This is Ediqupo, 10. He and his friend Jibahagan grew together. They have an obsession with football. Yet on Children’s Day, they were occupied with housework.

Chen Rezuo, in Grade 2, had breakfast in front of the blackboard at home.

Chen Muhei, still in pre-school, squatted on the ground, studying maths with buttons.

At 10am, Chen Guji had lunch with family. His six kids, except the youngest, were all able to help with housework.

According to the Liangshan prefectural government that oversees the county, a set of stairs would be built as a stop-gap measure.

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The Children's Day In "Cliff Village"

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