A group of Hong Kong university graduates, who decided to teach in Hunan province instead of taking well-paying jobs in the city, said they were surprised by how difficult children in rural villages could be.
The 10 teachers left for the poverty-stricken region in September as part of the Amway China Education Aid Programme, which is in its second year.
They had high hopes of influencing poor children in rural areas through education during their year-long stint. They were sent to Hexi, Aizhai and Majingao secondary schools in Jishou City.
The group comprised Elaine Chow York-wah (team captain), Lau Pui-chi and Willy Pun Wang-fung, who are teaching at Hexi; Norris Lai Wai-man (deputy captain), Wu Lai-wo and Carol Lam Tze-man, who are at Aizhai; and Chan Lok-man, Damon Chan Kai-wing, Joyce Chan Hoi-ying and Liu Yin-chun, all at Majingao.
'Before leaving Hong Kong, we had extensive chats with the first 10 [teachers from the programme] to learn more about their experiences. They told us what to expect. But we were still a little shocked by how naughty the students could be,' said Ms Chow.
The Hongkongers said they hoped to introduce a more relaxed western style, which involves more interaction between students and teachers, instead of the rigid teaching methods in village schools. But this was easier said than done.