In March 2005, Zhang received a letter from an orphan, Cai Li, saying she and her big sister had lost their parents and dropped out of school.

Upon learning this, Zhang devised a plan to help the siblings. Now, the elder sister has graduated from Tianjin University of Technology and returned to Liangshan to work as a civil servant, and Cai has graduated from Liangshan Minzu Normal College.

Cai said she will always remember the time Zhang cried with her and gave her encouragement in life.

"Poverty relief in Liangshan is never an easy task. When we support them, I often tell them, you are never alone because in faraway areas, many people have love for you," Zhang said.

"I also encourage students to build up bold characters and perseverance to help tackle challenges, and I also hope they pass on the love, courage and confidence to others."