Noted principal reopens primary school in Yunnan after COVID-19 interruption

Zhen Lanfang,deputy to National People's Congress and principal of Central Primary School in Wenping township, Ludian county, Zhaotong city, Yunnan province, stands at a site where a playground will be constructed on the grounds of the school she works at. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)

Zhen Lanfang, deputy to National People's Congress and principal of Central Primary School in Wenping township, Ludian county, Zhaotong city, Yunnan province, became a teacher 28 years ago. Valuing professional development and exhibiting great leadership, the principal established a well-known experience-sharing workshop that many young teachers have participated in. She has been recognized by parents and society in general for her outstanding performance and has received a lot of honors over the years.

Zhen has been conscientiously implementing COVID-19 prevention regulations established by education departments since the outbreak emerged. She formed a prevention and control team at Central Primary School, improved emergency protocols at the school, and made a plan outlining how it would reopen after classes were suspended due to the pandemic.

The principal has been disseminating COVID-19 prevention information and monitoring students’ and faculty members’ health statuses now that classes have now resumed. She mentioned that keeping students from dropping out of school is very important and education is an important part of poverty reduction.