Min empowered at Kashgar training center

Xinjiang Kashgar Vocational Education and Training Center is located in the south of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Students studying there are looking for an opportunity to start their lives anew, hoping for a brighter future. CRI’s Wang Longyin went to Xinjiang and interviewed one of them.

42-year-old Min Zhaohong is an elder student at the Kashgar Vocational Education and Training Center. Other students call her “Minjie,” which means sister Min, and she finds that a friendly nickname.

Min used to run a clothing business before she came to the center. From 2012 to 2015, she shared some extremist religious materials with six other believers. She was eventually reported by the security guards in her shopping mall. After talking with the police, she realized that she knew little about the law. She learned about the school, which provides free learning opportunities and accommodation. So she signed up for re-education study with the school.

After studying, Min says she realizes that her illegal preaching was interfering with other people’s freedom of religious belief. It was foolish for her to spread extreme ideas, and her actions were illegal. But most importantly, she realized the importance of learning and understanding the law.

“I really understand what is legal, what is illegal, what can be done and what can not be done. These classes enlightened me that my mistakes were very serious. The Party and the government did not abandon me, but helped me by providing free learning opportunities. They did not let me drift to the dark road of violence and terror.”

The vocational education and training center offers three main courses — Mandarin, law and artisan classes. Some students lack legal awareness because of their low educational level and poor command of Mandarin, which seriously affects their work and communication abilities. Min says she hadn’t written for more than 20 years, but she is glad to have the opportunity to learn again. She is practicing vocabulary related to clothes, so she can relaunch her business in the future.

“We also have physical education, music and art classes. I like painting. I also like to recite poems, and my command of Mandarin is top-notch in the class, so I can help other students; I help them with the pronunciation. All of these have fulfilled my life and I find that very rewarding. I feel that although I have never been to college, siting in this school makes me feel like a college student.”

While Min is studying, her clothing store is run by her family. She also learns about clothes-making. She hopes to learn clothing design in the school, in order to open her own shop after graduation.

“I’m thinking about tailoring. When I finish my study, I can take a few more apprentices and expand the storefront. My father especially likes to wear Zhongshan suits. I will work on the windbreaker, Zhongshan suit, and shirt. I think I should study hard for that.”

At the Xinjiang Kashgar vocational education and training center, there are many students like Min Zhaohong, who cherish the opportunity to learn and study. Many people have gained confidence in increasing income after graduation, and hope to create a better life.