The list of selected teachers for the 11th Jack Ma Foundation Rural Teacher Program has been announced, with four educators from Gansu province making the cut.

In September 2015, the Jack Ma Foundation officially launched the "Jack Ma Rural Teacher Plan," which seeks out 100 outstanding frontline rural teachers annually. Each selected teacher receives a total of 100,000 yuan in cash support over three years, along with professional training and development opportunities, aimed at supporting innovative educational practices in rural areas. As the Jack Ma Foundation's cooperative media partner in Gansu province, the Lanzhou Evening News has witnessed the changes over the past decade. From 2015 to the present, Gansu has seen 9 rural principals selected for the Rural Principal Plan, 98 rural teachers chosen for the Rural Teacher Plan, and 7 teacher-training graduates committed to rural education included in the Rural Normal Student Plan.

Zhang Meigui, from Baren Primary School in Sigou Town, Min County, Dingxi City, Gansu Province, stated: "I have always firmly believed that education is the glimmer of light that illuminates the dreams of rural children. I consistently uphold the educational philosophy of 'nurturing hearts with love, and inspiring wisdom with interest,' ensuring that children have a sparkle in their eyes and love in their hearts. I wish to use my modest efforts to safeguard the educational dreams of rural children and, alongside countless rural teachers, light up the long path of rural education."

Wandi Jia, from Kangduo Nine-Year School in Zhuoni County, Gannan Prefecture, Gansu Province, expressed: "As a child of the Tibetan ethnic group, I deeply understand the preciousness of the oral tradition of Gannan folk songs. Those resonant and far-reaching mountain songs, along with the joyous and lively drinking songs, are the cultural genes in the children's blood. I will continue to delve deeply into local music education, enabling every child from pastoral and agricultural areas to stand tall through song and stride towards a wider world."

Yang Xueyi, from Wangguanying Primary School in Qilihe District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, shared his philosophy: "The educational principles I uphold are: to lay a solid foundation for the happy future of rural students, to build a platform for the professional growth of rural teachers, and to ensure the continuous inheritance of rural culture. By creating vibrant schools, we can enable every rural child to enjoy the same quality education as their urban counterparts, becoming inheritors of the spirit of rural self-reliance and innovation. I firmly believe: we can go much further."

Zhao Lu, from Panlong Primary School in the Bajia School District, Qinting Town, Qingshui County, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, observed: "I see that what rural children lack is not only knowledge but also companionship and a stage on which to blossom. I will continue to take root in this land, refining a more mature teaching system and influencing more children with love. I believe that one day, more of them will be willing to return here, stand shoulder to shoulder with me, and make our hometown a place filled with hope and resonance."