Township school principal Yang Siyang said the performance of his students has been improving along with the better living conditions and teaching environment.

The school caters to 758 students, mostly from the Derung group, up to junior high school, with major refurbishments in recent years that now include three-story classroom blocks on top of dining and dormitory areas. Its educators number more than 100, with teachers at an average age of 27.

The rate of its students graduating to attend senior high school grew from 16 percent in 2016 to 70 percent last year, winning accolades at the county level and beyond.

"As a model of poverty alleviation, we must allow our educational sector to shine. Our students' grades are rising year by year. We are also focusing on early education. We must help ensure that the Derung ethnic group succeeds," Yang said.

One of his students, Dong Shunan, 13, was grateful for the chance to transfer from a neighboring village three years ago. Modern teaching tools include computers used in classes at least twice a week and other interesting courses, Dong said.

"English is one of my favorite subjects," Dong said.