Education is very close in my heart. My father grew up in a very small village in China. In those days, not many villagers could read. So my father opened a night school to teach them how to read. With his help, many people learned to write their own names; with his help, many people learned to read newspaper for the first time; with his help, many women were able to teach their children how to read. As his daughter, I know what education means to the people, especially those without it. After generations (几代人) of hard work, China has come a long way in education. I am a beneficiary (受益者) of that progress. Because of this I become a singer and a professor of music.
Education is about women and the girls. It is important for girls to go to school because they will become their children’s first teacher someday. In China, Spring Bud Education Program (春蕾计划) has helped over 3 million girls go back to school. Many of them have finished university education and they are doing well at work.
Education is about equality (平等). In poor countries and areas, the number of school dropouts (辍学) is surprising. We hope to do more for the education of these places.
Education is about the young people. Young people are the future. Education is important because it not only gives young people knowledge and skills but also helps them become responsible (有责任感的) persons.
Many years ago, my father made a small difference in his village. Together, we can make a big difference in the world. I was once asked about my Chinese dream. I said I hope all children especially girls can have chances to get good education. This is my Chinese dream. I believe one day education first will no longer be a dream, it will be a reality (事实). Every young woman enjoyed it.
【小题1】What did the writer’s father do in those days?| A．He opened a bookstore. | B．He opened a hospital. | C．He opened a night school. |
| A．Because they will become their children’s first teacher someday. |
| B．Because they love reading. |
| C．Because they can learn how to write their own names. |
| A．Up to 3 million. | B．More than 3 million. | C．Less than 3 million. |
| A．Education is about money. |
| B．Education is about women and the girls. |
| C．Education is about equality. |
| A．all women can have chances to get good education |
| B．all people can have chances to get good education |
| C．all children especially girls can have chances to get good education |
