The girl who used to take her blind father to beg has now been admitted to a teacher training college.

A young girl in Sichuan, who has been begging with her blind father since she was 7 years old, has now received a university admission notice.

The story of Zhang Yan, from Nanjiang County (Bazhong City, Sichuan Province), first became known in 2013 when the press reported on the scene of her wandering with her blind father to make a living.

Before that, in 2010, in an accident, my father was hit by a rusty nail, causing damage to one eye. The family was poor and could not afford treatment, so the other eye also became infected, and he eventually lost his sight forever.

This incident brought tragedy to Zhang's family when his mother fell into a severe mental crisis, and later gave birth to a mentally retarded baby boy.

Zhang Yan's plight first became widely known in 2013, when the press published the story of the father and son. (Photo: SCMP)

During those years, little Zhang often sat with her father begging near the Jiangbei bus station. Luckily, they met many kind strangers who helped them. “I used to be very self-conscious, always afraid of other people’s prying eyes. But fortunately, teachers and friends always treated me kindly, helping me gradually become optimistic,” Zhang shared.

Zhang has three younger sisters, aged 11, 7 and 5, who are all in school. After her family’s story was reported in the media, Zhang’s parents tried to save up and open a small grocery store, selling lighters, batteries, etc., and relied on disability benefits and poverty support packages to make ends meet.

The walls of Zhang’s simple home are covered with certificates of academic achievement she has achieved. (Photo: SCMP)

Despite growing up in poverty, Zhang always did well in school. Her modest home is covered with certificates of merit. Last August, she received an acceptance letter from Chengdu Normal University, majoring in Physics, Department of Physics and Electronic Engineering.

Zhang was accepted into the "custom-made teacher training" program, which means that after graduation, he will be assigned to teach in Nanjiang County.

“After graduating, I hope to become a teacher in my hometown, take care of myself and my family. I also hope to use education to help children in the mountains escape poverty and go out to explore the world. I believe that my family will have more and more good things and I will persevere to move forward,” Zhang said.

According to SCMP, in 2021, the Chinese government announced to eliminate rural poverty according to the standard of 2.3 USD/day, but narrowing the gap between rich and poor is still a big priority.

Zhang’s journey has not only touched the hearts of millions but also sparked a heated debate. One netizen said: “You are amazing, I wish you a bright future .” Another asked: “Under such circumstances, the family still gave birth to five children? What will the eldest daughter’s life be like?”

(Source: Vietnamnet)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/co-gai-tung-phai-dat-cha-mu-di-an-xin-nay-trung-tuyen-dai-hoc-su-pham-ar965831.html