Shamawuqie's parents became drug addicts and sold their farm to pay for their habit. The 10-year-old now lives with his grandparents and siblings. He attends Xima Primary School.

GANSU PROVINCE, China – Watching his parents squander their farm to feed their drug habit didn't leave much for Shamawuqie to be hopeful about.

But his grandmother was determined to never give up. She knew an education was key for Shamawuqie to be successful in life, but finding the money to send him was nearly impossible.

When Operation Blessing China heard of the family's situation, they stepped in to help. Today, even though he has to walk more than two hours just to get there, the 10-year-old is never late to his second grade class at Xima Primary School.

"Shamawuqie can change the fate of our whole family though his education," his grandmother said. "This has given us a new hope."

Life wasn't always this difficult for the family. Shamawuqie's father was a prominent leader in his village and cultivated a large farm. At 32, he started using drugs and eventually he and his wife sold the farm to support both their habits.

In 2003, Shamawuqie's father died and his mother was put into a rehabilitation facility. Shamawuqie and his siblings stayed with their elderly grandparents, one of whom is blind. Together, they tried to salvage five acres of land to grow food and sustain their family.

"My greatest wish was to see Shamawuqie go to school, just like the other children," his grandmother said. "His attitude encourages me a lot."

When Shamawuqie's mother was released from treatment, the whole family hoped she would return home. However, she went back to using drugs, and this time, took Shamawuqie's older sister to help her get the money to support her.

Six months later, Shamawuqie's sister returned home because their mother was taken into custody and placed back in a rehabilitation center.

"My greatest wish was to see Shamawuqie go to school, just like the other children," his grandmother said. "His attitude encourages me a lot."

Shamawuqie has thrived in school. His teachers say he is doing well and he has made plenty of friends.

"I hope Shamawuqie never gives up learning," his grandmother added. "I will never give up hope."

Last year, OB China helped provide educational and nutritional assistance to impoverished students at 47 schools in 7 provinces, helping children like Shamawuqie be able to go to school and break the cycle of poverty in their families.

 

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