Rescue & Aid
Principal puts his students first
(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-27 07:28
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"I receive hundreds of calls a day. People from all walks of life are concerned about the orphans and I have to make sure every cent donated goes to the children," Nyima Rigzin said in a hoarse voice.
After he returned to his hometown Gyegu, the quake epicenter, Nyima Rigzin immediately ran to the school, despite being informed his wife and 4-year-old daughter were both injured at home.
He gave way to an outpouring of grief upon seeing collapsed buildings at the school.
"It was home for more than 200 children," he said.
The quake toppled the school dormitory and cafeteria and buried two teachers as they were having breakfast. Six students escaped from the cafeteria rubble after teachers and students dug them out with their bare hands.
Through everyone's combined efforts, the school was the first in the quake zone to resume classes. Before classes began on April 17, the 60 gathered primary and middle school students and more than 10 teachers sang the national anthem.
Wang Jinkun, a volunteer from East China's Shandong province, said volunteers close to Nyima Rigzin worried about his health and said he might collapse.
"Since returning from Xining, he seldom leaves the school. He helps the faculty take care of the children, admit new students, send out quake-relief materials and receive volunteers and the media," she said.
It was not until six days after the quake that he managed to meet his mother, who was saved by rescuers from debris 10 hours after the quake.
"I want to be with her, and spend more time with my wife and daughter, but the school also needs me now," he said.
Xinhua
