Source: CRI

09-02-2008 19:31

Zhang Haidi (Shandong Province, 1955), also known as Ling Ling, became a paraplegic at the age of five following four operations for the removal of tumors in her spine.

Zhang Haidi

She never went to school, but through diligent self-study, she learned to read books on politics, literature and medical science. She also learned foreign languages, including English, Japanese and German.

She became a model for her intellectual accomplishments and her devotion to serving others among Chinese young people in 1980's.

As a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference (CPPCC), she remains an advocate for the rights of the disabled and for the improvement and accessiblity of public facilities for them.

In 2001, Zhang, an avid internet surfer, was invited to act as the headmaster of China's first on-line school.

China Central Television (CCTV) devoted a program to Zhang during the marking of the May Fourth Movement in 2002.

Aside from her duties as headmaster, Zhang has become a writer and translates foreign literature with her husband.

 

Editor:Zhang Ning