Recently, the results of the selection of outstanding alumni of the Open University of China (OUC) were announced, recognising 328 alumni from various industries across the country.

These individuals, with accomplishments as their foundation and technology as their wings, demonstrate resilience, confidence, and a pragmatic, enterprising spirit, writing a unique chapter of progress of the OUC people. From today on, the stories of some alumni will be selected for sharing. By reviewing their outstanding deeds and listening to their life insights, the OUC’s achievements in talent development over the last 45 years are highlighted.

Xie Ai’e was enrolled in the Open University of China (formerly known as China Central Radio and TV University) in the spring of 2011. Currently, she serves as a member of the village committee and the director of the Women's Federation in Binhu Village, Binhu Office, Honghu City, Hubei Province. She has been successively awarded numerous honours, such as “Most Beautiful Rural Doctor” in China, “National March 8th Red-Banner Holder,” “National Model Worker,” “National March 8th Red-Banner Pacesetter,” “National Good Person for Dedication and Contribution,” “Outstanding Communist Party Member,” and “Remarkable Woman Striver” in Hubei Province. Moreover, she has been elected as a delegate to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party, the 12th National Women's Congress, and a member of the Executive Committee of the All-China Women's Federation.

Full of Zeal in the Heart of the Lake, a Benevolent Doctor Warms the Fishermen

In 1992, shortly after getting married, Xie Ai’e and her husband, also a doctor, worked at two different health clinics. By chance, when they heard that the lakeside health clinic was recruiting two doctors, the couple immediately chose to serve on a boat without hesitation. Whether it was the violent storms in the sweltering summer or the bitter cold in the depth of winter, whenever patients sought medical treatment, Xie Ai’e would row the boat across dozens of miles of waterways to cure them. Over 25 years, she has treated more than 30,000 patients, made over 3,000 home visits, and transferred more than 100 expectant mothers. During major disasters, her visits were even more dangerous. In snowstorms, the lake would freeze over, and one could easily fall into an ice hole if being careless; during droughts, she had to carry a medicine box through the muddy flats, with every step extremely arduous. The total distance she has travelled on water amounts to 80,000 kilometres, which is equivalent to circling the Earth's equator twice.

After 25 years of practising medicine on the lake, Xie Ai’e has developed a deep-seated affection with the fishermen on the boats like that among family members. She not only treats the fishermen but also undertakes the important task of spreading public health knowledge. She has established public health records for every fisherman who comes on board for treatment, so as to keep track of their health conditions at any time.

Being the Guardians of Fishermen's Health and Building a New Life Ashore Together

With the implementation of ecological protection measures for Honghu wetland in recent years, starting from January 2017, all forms of fish-farming with nets have been completely banned in Honghu. Fishermen, who had made their homes on boats, had to move ashore. After the fishermen came ashore, the Honghu City Health Bureau set up health clinics at various resettlement sites, and Xie Ai’e still chose to continue serving the fishermen at the health clinics in the resettlement areas.

In her daily work at the clinic, Xie Ai’e actively promotes government welfare policies and devotes herself to solving the housing and employment problems of the fishermen after they move ashore. She organises women to go to the city to participate in free training, learning various employment skills such as cooking, maternity-nanny services, housekeeping, and e- commerce. By virtue of her influence, she actively seeks assistance from higher-level departments and leads the villagers to connect with enterprises. Through her extensive efforts and coordination, 87 fishermen have been successfully recruited by a shoe-making enterprise, 13 women have been hired by a tourism company; three female college students in the village have received educational funds from the “Golden Phoenix Project” of the Honghu Women's Federation, and four women have received financial aid for cancer treatment.

When talking about life after moving ashore, Xie Ai’e said with emotion: “The honours I have received are inseparable from the cultivation and care of the organisation, and even more so from the support of the people. As a Communist Party member, wherever the people need me, I will go there to provide them with health services, staying true to my original intention and remaining unwavering.”

By OUC News Network