Chinese agronomy teacher Ren Aizhi from Liaocheng University has been making waves at Tonga College since her arrival in 2020! Initially, the school lacked proper agricultural facilities, forcing students to carry buckets to water vegetables – talk about a challenging start! 🌿
Everything changed in 2021 when the Ambassador Fund from the Chinese Embassy in Tonga stepped in. With their support, the school built solar-powered water wells, water storage towers, and installed drip irrigation systems. Upgraded multimedia teaching equipment and hands-on farming materials have made learning both fun and practical.
The transformation goes beyond infrastructure. Under an educational exchange MoU forged after King Tupou VI's visit to China in 2018, Liaocheng University sent dedicated teachers to share Chinese language lessons and innovative farming techniques. Students even started calling it the "Chinese teachers' vegetable garden," embracing the fresh approach! 🍅
Over three years, nearly 300 students have gained systematic agricultural training, with fresh produce shared among faculty, the school cafeteria, and local communities. A heartfelt note from the Palace Office of the Kingdom of Tonga expressed sincere appreciation for the team, even gifting corn to His Majesty as a token of gratitude.
Looking ahead, Ren is set to return this August with a research team focused on breeding technologies and agricultural innovation. They plan to conduct tech exchanges and provide short-term training for local teachers and students, along with new machinery such as tractors, rotary plows, cassava planters, and harvesters. As Ren puts it, "I miss the students, the people, and the sea there." 🚜✨
Reference(s):
Chinese agronomy teacher recounts teaching in Tonga, plans return
cgtn.com
