Lapu Mo Hongli’s Journey To Becoming A Chinese Teacher

Our One More Year Scholarship Program is exactly what it sounds: we support 500 students from extremely impoverished families for ONE MORE YEAR of senior high school in China. If they graduate and still meet scholarship eligibility requirements, we continue our annual support until they graduate from high school.

Lapu Mo Hongli (18) is one of our beneficiaries. She lives in a family of five with her mother and siblings. Her father passed away when she was younger, and her mother’s salary as a factory worker is what keeps them afloat. During the summer, her elder siblings take on some jobs to add to the household income. They also own a half-acre of land where they plant corn and rice. Since the siblings are busy with school and their mother with her factory work, their relatives help in maintaining it.

Despite their hard work, the family always lives from paycheck to paycheck. In a year, the family of five earns CNY 42,500 (approximately USD 5,973). Their basic expenses are only equal to their earnings.

Although Lapu’s mother was not able to pursue higher education, she understands its value. She firmly believes that studying is essential for a better future by opening up more opportunities for anyone who has it. Among all her other children, Lapu performs the best academically. Investing in her education would never go to waste because of how hardworking and dedicated she is.

When we visited their home, only Lapu and her younger brother were present. Her mother and older siblings were away for work that day. In our chat, she shared that she comes home every two weeks during the school term. Even with a journey 3.5 hours away every two weeks, she finds coming home to her loved ones always worth it.

We asked her about her aspirations, and she smiled. “I hope to become a responsible Chinese teacher one day…” She continued, “There are many young children in my hometown who need care and guidance from good teachers. I hope to be one of them.”

She writes her sponsors a thank-you letter to express gratitude in her own words.

 

 

Dear Sponsor,

Greetings!

Time flies so quickly—by the time you read this letter, I will already be a senior in high school. This marks the third year you have supported my studies and living expenses, and words truly cannot express how grateful I am.

Stepping into my final year of high school, I’ve felt the pressure flood in like a tidal wave. The stress of academics, coupled with the weight of social expectations, can be overwhelming—especially for children from poor families like us. But it is your support that gives us the space to breathe, the chance to carry on, and the strength to keep moving forward in this crucial year.

The road ahead is long and often uncertain. When I first entered senior year, I was lost and confused, spending my days in a haze, unsure of what I was even working toward. It was your kindness and support that pointed me in the right direction and helped me find my footing again.

In this final year, I hope to earn admission to the teacher’s college I’ve been dreaming of. And one day, I also hope to be able to help children who are going through hard times, just as you have helped me. Although my grades have been stagnant recently, I believe it’s just a phase. I will find a better study method and adjust myself as quickly as I can.

This year, a lot has happened in my family. My eldest sister, knowing how difficult things were at home, gave up her opportunity to attend college without hesitation. The burden of our family now rests heavily on her and my mother’s shoulders. I know how hard they work, and it pains me that there’s so little I can do. I often feel frustrated with my own helplessness. But your support has lightened their load, and given me the courage and motivation to keep striving. You’ve helped me continue believing that this world is still full of love and warmth. If I ever get the chance, I would love to thank you in person.

In the near future, I hope to be like you—doing what I can to help others, and becoming someone my family and I can be proud of. I want to say loudly and clearly that your support has made a real difference. I also hope to be someone who, like you, carries a kind and grateful heart, spreading warmth to those in need.

Wishing you good health and great success in your work.

With heartfelt thanks,

Lapu Mo Hongli