Huang Xiaolong (Oscar)
After I finished middle school, I was working at home as a farmer. I believe the most important thing that ETTI gave to me was confidence, because right after I graduated from middle school I was very depressed. My family was very poor and couldn't afford to have me continue my education. My future was very uncertain and I didn't know what I was going to do. Then I saw ETTI's brochure. ETTI helped me study basic English and computer skills, which helped me gain knowledge and self-confidence. This really helped me form a solid foundation.
After I graduated from ETTI, I found work in a hotel and continued to work on my families farm. Now I manage the Puppet Caf?in Shangri-la. I used to earn 600 yuan a month, now I make three times that amount.
I think in five years I could save some money, so that I can open a store myself. I don't want to do hired work forever. After ten years I think if I'm doing well, my business will still be open.
I want to thank ETTI and every conscientious teacher. Also I wish ETTI will get better and better. I hope every tomorrow of ETTI is better than the day before. Finally, I hope every ETTI student can find their own slice of heaven.
Student Success Stories
Zha Duizhong (Tom)
My name is Tom and I'm Lisu minority. Before I came to ETTI I was doing construction work. ETTI helped me very much, additionally ETTI gave us impoverished kids employment opportunities. It gave us a good place in society.
After graduating from ETTI, I worked in a hotel as a waiter, worked at a gallery, and worked as an English guide. Now I work as an English-speaking tour guide.
The tourism industry is one of the pillars of the Diqing economy. I am a tour guide and plan to be a tour guide in five years. When my English is improved, I also want to be an English teacher so more people can speak English.
My heart goes out to the school and everything it gave to us. I hope ETTI can make more people in poverty learn more. Time and again I hope that ETTI can help more impoverished people like I was.
EASTERN TIBET TRAINING INSTITUTE
Improving livelihoods through vocational training
He Hongqing
My name is He Hongqing. I am 21 and I'm from Tiger Leaping Gorge in Northern Yunnan province. I graduated from ETTI in 2008 and now work at the Banyan Tree Ringha, near Shangri-la. Before I came to ETTI I was unemployed. Sometimes I would do manual work in my hometown where my parents are farmers and work every day.
At ETTI, I learned English, standard Mandarin, computer skills, communication skills, tourism skills, and more. ETTI helped me gain confidence and understand what I wanted to do.
After I graduated, 2 days later The Banyan Tree resort contacted me for an interview. I got the job straight away and have been working there as a Receptionist ever since! My job involves greeting our Chinese and International guests, taking calls, solving guests questions and problems and making people feel welcome at the resort.
My economic situation is much better than before, thanks for your concern. I believe my opportunities are now greater than before. I am able to send home money to support my family. The Banyan Tree also offers staff interesting opportunities such as 3 nights stay at the resort per year for myself and my family. Last year we all stayed at the Banyan Tree Lijiang resort. Our villa even had a pool!
In five years my goal is I would like to travel around the world and help poor honest people. In ten years I would like to open a private school to help students living in the village.
Thank you for caring about and teaching us. After finishing my ETTI training I have had many more opportunities and learned many things.
