Students return to school in Dujiangyan

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-24-2008 08:31

Students in the earthquake-hit city of Dujiangyan are back in class after a makeshift school was completed on Monday.

Students in the earthquake-hit city of Dujiangyan are back in class after a makeshift school was completed on Monday.

It's the first time these children have taken part in the routine flag-raising ceremony since their schools collapsed or were damaged in the earthquake last month.

A new temporary school made by construction workers from East China's Anhui Province is now ready for use.

CCTV reporter Mao Xuzhi said, "This temporary school was built just 2 weeks after the earthquake. In addition to classrooms, there are dining halls, toilets, playgrounds and dormitories. Over 7,000 students are expected to spend the next 3 years here."

The school is designed specifically for local students, many of whom lost their homes or loved ones in the disaster. It has everything the students need. And this school kitchen can feed all the students on campus.

One of the construction workers says it took his team just 12 days to design and complete the school.

Li Yuanlong, construction worker from Anhui Province, said, "We have never built anything in such a short time. The makeshift school is mainly built from steel. It's earthquake resistant. Plus, the classrooms are insulated to make them soundproof and heat resistant."

All the students have been given new stationery, pencil boxes, textbooks and school bags.

In this grade two class, pupils are being taught a new lesson -- how to stay healthy in the quake-hit area. The teacher is telling the children about good hygiene and how to overcome their fear of aftershocks.

School staff say the makeshift classrooms are very practical, and they are ready to spend the next few years here while permanent schools are rebuilt.

Li Xi, teacher from Dujiangyan, said, "The classroom looks safe. It's also well ventilated with these windows and fans. The kids told me they feel comfortable studying here."

The children seem excited about their new school. They are jumping around and laughing saying they feel very glad to be studying and playing with their classmates again so soon.

Editor:Zhang Ning