Making all the difference

In December, the school's students achieved both a second and third place at the 2020 World Robot Contest Finals in Foshan, Guangdong province.

"Some parents are afraid that joining such clubs will impact their children's studies. However, after seeing our accomplishments, they have become more supportive," Niu says.

When Niu took some students to participate in contests hosted by other provinces, it was, for many, the first time flying in a plane.

"They have not only broadened their horizons, but will also have the vision to plan a future life in the wider world," Niu says.

Some students can be a little too shy to join the clubs due to their poor academic performances, but Niu tries to encourage them to participate.

"It's essential to give them confidence. I often tell them that since they are capable of flying a model airplane, they can definitely do well in their studies," he says.

"The biggest gap between our students compared with children in big cities is a lack of a systematic study in these fields. Also, those in big cities have an early exposure to such themes, with a more flexible thought."

He teaches students the basics of programming and they give play to their talent to design different things.