With the idea of "rejuvenating the country through science and technology," special skills are badly needed by farmers to increase their incomes. A nationwide campaign is being launched among college students to bring science and technology, hygiene and culture to the countryside. We'll take you to see what the college students are doing on their summer breaks to help farmers. The farmers are the direct beneficiaries of this national campaign. For the participating college students, it is a time for them to walk out of their Ivory Tower and practice what they've learned at school. They also gain a realistic picture of farm life. Most of the students become endowed with a stronger sense of responsibility in their future study.
Laowang had invited members of a think tank from Doctors' Service Group of Sichuan University. More than 1,000 students from Sichuan University are participating in the activities of "bring knowledge to the country." Laowang met this "little" teacher while attending a "marketing" lecture. He took a lot of notes but they were not enough. He wanted to invite the little teacher home, but was glad to receive a whole group from the think tank.
Planting organic vegetables and setting up a green brand of haricot beans involve ways of planting, marketing and product sales. It is a complicated process, but the students have different majors and specialties that they can bring into use for the farmers’ benefit. Yang Jicheng is studying for his master's degree in the environment department, and the field now becomes his platform. In a short ten days, the students came and went between the fields and the markets and laid out a plan for the development of haricot beans.
Scientific and technological knowledge brought by these university students not only helped solve special problems that farmers encounter, but also broadened the vision for economic development in the country. Nongke Village in Pixian County of Sichuan Province is well-known for its development of tourism. City dwellers often go there on holiday to experience life on a farm.
Many of the country club owners share the idea of improving the quality and service for tourists who stay on their farms. The county government also wants to build the area into a model country tourism region in China. The Sichuan Cuisine School was contacted for their insights, and more than 30 students came to the village.
Students from the Sichuan Cuisine School offered vigorous training courses for those in attendance in such areas as catering skills, concepts and awareness. For example, there are many skills involved in just pouring wine correctly.
In more than 20 days, these college students trained more than 20 chefs in Chinese and Western-style food and more than 100 waiters. Trivial as it looks, it is a timely help.
These college students made contributions in their social practice and get an education as well. They came to see what these poor farmers really need.
Luo couple has been sick for years and is almost unable to work. The whole family depends on grandmother's small vegetable patch and is leading a very poor life. The girl has reached school age and there is no way to afford her schooling. Students from Chengdu Institute of Technology formed a partnership with the Luo family.
The activities of "bring knowledge to the country" among college students have been carried out for five years. With the support of educational departments, large groups of college students go to the country during their summer holidays to give performances, help teach, offer medical services, and publicize laws and science. More than 4,000,000 college students participated in the campaign this summer and joined in various activities to help farmers.
The social practice is soon over, and the smiles and tears are left on that warm piece of land in the country.
Editor: Wang Yin
(Nov.16, 2002)
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