Words from hearts of the impoverished

Living in Xiaoxinchuan Village, Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Town, Yunxi County, of central China’s Hubei Province, Wang Shaohua lost part of his working ability due to illness and fell into poverty as a result. With help from Weng Xinqiang—a college graduate village official—Wang planted two thirds of an acre of magnolia berries, which require from him only basic regular maintenance, and shook off poverty with an income of 24,000 yuan (U.S. $3,550) in 2016. Thanks to Weng, 137 impoverished households in the village jumped out of poverty by planting magnolia vines. He holds up a sign that reads, “With enough money to buy rice and meat, we don’t have to worry about food and clothes anymore.” [Photo by Wen Wei]