Support Girls' Education in Rural China

Lilian is an alumna (Class 2006) of SOAR from a small village in Yunnan Province. In 2015, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in English from a Normal College. Now, she lives and works in Luquan County, her hometown. Here is Lilian's story with SOAR:

Lilian grew up with four friends from the same village, and they had to live on their own before they turned 10 years old and cooked their own food. After elementary school, only Lilian and one other friend remained, as the other three dropped out of school due to the biased opinion on gender from their family members. At that time, everyone in her village lived in poverty, and farming was the only economic source. Lilian was fortunate that her parents encouraged her and her brother to study hard, even though they could only afford patched clothes.

In 2006, Lilian was 14 years old and studying in the first year of junior high school, excelling in the midterm exams. One early morning during summer vacation, Lilian and her mother were harvesting corn in the field when they came across a group of teachers visiting the countryside, including Lilian's class teacher. The teachers stayed for a casual dinner at Lilian's house, and perhaps it was this encounter that connected their impressions of her as a hardworking, diligent, and considerate student with the tiny girl in patched clothes carrying a hug basket of corn fruits on her shoulder. That year, their school had two quotas for the SOAR Scholarship, and considering Lilian's family situation and consistent excellent performance, she was honored to receive the scholarship. Although she didn't know much about SOAR at the time, the word "SOAR" left a lasting impression on her heart, and as Lilian said, she felt proud whenever she thought of it.

In 2008, Lilian entered high school and became the only one in her group of five friends who continued with her education. Seeing her friends quit school to work and earn money for their families made Lilian question whether it was worth staying in school. However, thanks to the encouragement and support from SOAR, she firmly believed that only knowledge could improve her life and her poor family's situation.

In 2011, Lilian was admitted to a Normal College that trained teachers. During her college years, she spent most of her spare time doing part-time jobs and participating in various volunteer activities, apart from her class time. With the help of SOAR, Lilian successfully completed four years of study. After graduation, she started her job and often invited her colleagues to participate in volunteer activities in the town.

A writer once said, "Living is a beautiful thing, not in how beautiful and spectacular the scenery is, but in who you meet and are warmed, and then hope to become a little sun yourself one day to warm others." Lilian feels honored to be associated with SOAR over the years. Thanks to the company of SOAR, hearted mentoring from SOAR volunteers, and the inculcation of this warm family, Lilian believes that she has gradually become a "little sun" herself, learning how to have a kind heart and warm people in need with kindness.

We hope that Lilian's story has touched your heart. You can help more girls like Lilian realize their dreams by donating to SOAR!