Tibet is the first provincial-level region in China to provide 15 years of publicly funded education, from kindergarten all the way up to senior high school. By contrast, there was not a single proper school, and the illiteracy rate among young people exceeded 95 percent in old Tibet.
The changes in Tibet are a vivid epitome of China’s reform and development. Chinese modernization is the only correct choice for building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation, said Yan Jinhai, head of the regional government, in a speech marking the historical movement that ended serfdom in Tibet 64 years ago.
In the past 10 years, Yan said, Tibet has achieved high-quality development, maintained rapid economic growth, and heavily invested in education, medical care, culture, housing, employment, and social security. Tibet has shaken off absolute poverty and kept on pace with the whole country in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
“My wish now is to live longer and enjoy the life I currently have,” Norbu Tsering said. (Video reporters: Cao Bin, Tenzing Nima Qadhup, Sun Fei; video editors: Miao Zhuang, Mu Xuyao, Hong Yan)