Residents of a city in central China have come to the aid of a poor 19-year-old student who works more than 10 hours a day as a food delivery rider to earn money to cover his tuition fees.
Tang Wei, from Xinhuang county in Hunan province, was admitted by a technical college in Changsha, the capital city of the province, the Changsha Evening News reported.
He will kick off his college life in September. In early May, Tang left his hometown, heading to Changsha and hoping to find a temporary job.
“My family’s financial situation is not good. I also have a younger brother. I would like to take advantage of the coming three months to make some money to pay for my future tuition and living costs,” Tang was quoted as saying.
He rode a bicycle for 100km before taking a train to Changsha.
Tang had just 2,000 yuan (US$300) with him. After buying a suitcase, a tent, sleeping bag and some pads, there was little money left.
The only job he could find was as a food delivery rider.
Tang brought his pet, a Chinese Village Dog, with him on the trip. While he works in the daytime he is accompanied by the dog, which is nicknamed Bobo.
Bobo has been raised by Tang since it was sent to him as a gift from his grandfather years ago when the dog was less than one month old.
“I need it more than it needs me,” Tang told the media.
He said he only earned 200 yuan (US$30) in the first week. Unfortunately, he had to spend half of that to compensate a car owner after his electric bicycle scratched the vehicle.
Tang initially slept in his tent in a park but was harassed by hooligans who rifled through his tent without taking anything.
Tang later moved to sleep under a bridge because of frequent downpours in late May.
He said he owns just four sets of clothes, including the uniform of the food delivery company he works for.
Tang’s story came under the spotlight after he encountered a reporter from the Changsha Evening News who saw him as an encouraging role model.
After Tang’s experience attracted wide attention in the city, many people donated money and daily necessities to him.
Wang Jing, an animal welfare volunteer, said she was concerned about Bobo.
“I have contacted Tang. I will give him some dog food and a canine kennel. I also told him after the semester starts, if he is too busy with his study, I will be happy to take care of Bobo,” said Wang.
A manager, surnamed Fan, from Sany Group, a machine manufacturer based in the city, said his company offered Tang a three-month-long temporary job with a monthly salary of thousands of yuan.
The employer offered him free meals and accommodation. His job is guarding a storage area.
“He lives in our dormitory and eats in our canteen. He does not need to spend on these. The dormitory is equipped with air conditioner, Wi-fi and hot water,” Fan was quoted as saying.
“I read the news about this kid. I think he is kindhearted and endures hardship. So I want to offer him a chance of earning money through his labour,” added Fan.
Tang has read both domestic and foreign literary works and dreams of a future in literature.
He said he is grateful for the kindness shown by the public.
“I have made up my mind to work hard and study hard. In the future, if I am capable, I will repay Changsha, it is such a warm city,” said Tang. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
