Woman, who spent nearly a decade at a rescue center as a child, enrolls in a prestigious graduate school.
In the heart of Shanghai's Yangpu District, a remarkable story unfolded. Liang, a young Chinese woman who spent nine years of her life at a local rescue centre, has achieved an incredible milestone - gaining admission to a prestigious graduate school.
Liang's journey began tragically, with the loss of her father to illness when she was just five years old and her mother's subsequent disappearance. Placed in the rescue centre, she found herself part of a unique family - her social workers.
These dedicated individuals treated Liang not just as a ward, but as their own daughter. They ensured she received nutritious meals and discreetly transported her to school, shielding her from the stigma that often comes with such a background.
One of the most significant challenges Liang faced was the lack of a hukou, a residency permit necessary for accessing higher education in Shanghai. Until recently, children born to unmarried parents were prohibited from being registered with a hukou in China.
However, Li Fuqiang, the former head of the centre, played a crucial role in helping Liang prepare her documents and obtain a hukou. This milestone opened the doors to senior secondary school and eventually, graduate school.
The social workers continued to support Liang throughout her education, their influence extending far beyond the walls of the rescue centre. Their unwavering dedication helped Liang overcome systemic barriers and access opportunities that may not have been available otherwise.
Liang's life at the rescue centre ended triumphantly with her admission letter to a prestigious graduate school. She expresses her deep gratitude to her unique family of social workers, who have been instrumental in shaping her life.
After the termination of her foster agreement in 2015, Liang returned to the rescue centre, now as a beacon of hope for other children in need. Her story serves as a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the transformative impact of dedicated social workers.
[1] Source: Various news articles and interviews with Liang and her social workers.
In her journey, Liang's social workers, who treated her like their own daughter, not only ensured her education but also provided discreet transportation to school, aiming to shield her from stigma. Their unwavering support extended beyond the walls of the rescue center, helping Liang access higher education despite the challenge of lacking a hukou. Moreover, Liang, now in a prestigious graduate school, credits her social workers for her education and self-development, highlighting their crucial role in her life.
