Primary School marked its 18th anniversary. Proya Cosmetics Chairman Hou Juncheng, together with Chairwoman of the Proya Foundation Fang Aiqin and members of the company's leadership team, returned to this familiar patch of yellow earth. Local leaders, including the Party Secretary of Xiyang Township, representatives from the Education Bureau of Kongtong District in Pingliang City, joined retired teachers, parents, and all current students and faculty to commemorate this milestone in love and hope spanning nearly 18 years.
Built in 2007 through a donation from Proya Cosmetics, this rural school has since witnessed the growth of countless children. Over the past 18 years, it has nurtured more than a dozen university students. Among them is Xiaoli, a 2010 graduate who earned admission to a prestigious university and has now returned to the school as a Proya Cosmetics intern, sharing her story to inspire the next generation.
At the celebration, Proya Cosmetics gifted the students with new shoes and socks, microscopes, and DIY craft kits to support their learning journey. Chairman Hou was deeply moved by the school's changes: better facilities and more confident students. He shared a story from a past home visit: a child doing homework hunched over a field ridge. That child's own child is now sitting in the front row of the classroom, an emotional testament to the power of educational continuity.
Parents spontaneously presented silk banners to express thanks. One parent shared, "Both my children attend this school, and they're doing really well. Having access to such good education right here in the village is a blessing. We're truly grateful to Proya Cosmetics."
To honor the commitment of rural educators, the Proya Foundation launched the Helmsman Award: Guardians of Rural Education, recognizing Principal Su Xiaodong for doubling enrollment numbers during his six-year tenure.
To close the event, the team of Proya Cosmetics visited the homes of three students, offering care and support after learning about their living conditions. Finally, teachers and students planted a "Tree of Gratitude" together, symbolizing their hopes and blessings for the future. Over the past 18 years, the sound of reading on the Loess Plateau has empowered children to step into a broader world.
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