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.

Bahade Kader, an ethnic Uyghur and a member of the Chinese Communist Party, graduated in January 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Law from Hami Open University (Xinjiang Pilot Programme). He currently serves as the political instructor for the Yiwu Border Management Detachment under the Hami Border Management Brigade. He has been honoured with numerous accolades, including being named a national-level exemplary individual for public security border forces' community work, an advanced individual for dual-support work, one of the top ten models for youth ethnic unity in the autonomous region, one of the "Top Ten Outstanding" youths in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, one of the moral models of Hami City in its inaugural session, an outstanding Young Pioneers counsellor nationwide, a model veteran, and one of the most beautiful individuals in Xinjiang. He has also received the Excellence Award for Youth Unity and Progress from all ethnic groups in the fifth national competition and the 11th "May Fourth" Youth Medal of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. He has been awarded a second-class merit once and third-class merit three times.

In his law enforcement career, particularly in his efforts to maintain ethnic unity and promote rural revitalisation, Bahade Kader treats the public as his family, offering genuine assistance with heartfelt care, touching them with love, serving them with sincerity, and defending their interests with loyalty. His profound dedication has deeply resonated with the local community, and his integrity has consistently safeguarded their welfare.

Treat the public's difficulties as if they were one's own family's problems

Bahade Kader, who once served in Xiamaya Township, 48 kilometres from the county town, faced numerous challenges due to its remote location. He always treated the public's difficulties as his own family's matters, dedicating himself to resolving them. To facilitate assistance, he printed 160 emergency call cards and distributed them to the community. Regardless of the harsh winters or scorching summers, day or night, whenever the public encountered difficulties and called his phone, Bahade Kader always responded swiftly and provided wholehearted help. Over time, the community came to see Bahade Kader as one of their own, affectionately dubbing his personal phone the "Loving Helpline."

Caring for the solo seniors as if they were his own parents  

In his work, Bahade Kader consistently combines general visits with focused outreach, prioritising assistance to those in difficulty and vulnerable groups. He diligently cares for the solo seniors, always addressing their urgent needs first and proactively helping with daily farming tasks. To make it easier for the elderly to contact him, he created keychain cards with his mobile number for them to wear. The elderly called him for both significant and minor matters. In July 2006, Bahade Kader was recognised as an advanced individual for dual-support work in Hami City, and his personal story, reported by the Hami Daily, garnered significant attention in society.

Caring for children in the jurisdiction as if they were his own    

Before the poverty alleviation campaign, education in Xiamaya Township was relatively underdeveloped; the only kindergarten lacked desks, forcing children to bring their own stools to class. After Bahade Kader began working in Xiamaya Township, he swiftly established the first education assistance fund in the area. With donations totalling 3,600 yuan, he ordered 24 customised sets of tables and chairs for the kindergarten, ending its history of lacking desks. Additionally, Bahade Kader voluntarily became an extracurricular counsellor for primary and secondary schools in Xiamaya Township. Leveraging his legal expertise, he regularly conducted engaging legal education classes for children at school each month.

Assisting villagers in need as if they were his confidant friends

Before the poverty alleviation campaign, Xiamaya Township's economy and culture were relatively backward. Seeing the community's hardships, Bahade Kade was deeply troubled. The township had rich water and grass resources suitable for developing animal husbandry, and its cantaloupes were famous throughout Xinjiang. However, poverty in Xiamaya primarily stemmed from information isolation, lack of technology, and outdated mindsets among farmers and herders. After identifying these root causes of poverty, Bahade Kader proactively suggested to the township Party committee and government that they subscribe to Xinjiang Daily and Xinjiang Economic News for each village and guided them to subscribe to publications like Scientific Planting and Breeding Techniques. He took on the responsibility of disseminating scientific knowledge by establishing "Officer Ba's Classroom" at the police station, organising cultural learning activities through reading newspapers, legal discussions, and watching educational films. To help farmers increase their income, Bahade Kader collected information on wealth-building and agricultural production techniques from various sources and purchased books on planting and breeding with his own money to distribute to the community. He also utilised self-taught knowledge to guide residents toward technological prosperity. In January 2019, after hearing about greenhouse planting techniques introduced by Bahade Kader on the radio, Yimiti Keranmu sought him out for assistance in building a vegetable greenhouse. Bahade Kader actively coordinated support from the township government and designated Yimiti Keranmu's as the first demonstration household for technological planting in the township, providing them with seeds and fertilisers free of charge. Under the guidance of agricultural technicians and Bahade Kader, the construction of the greenhouse and planting proceeded smoothly. That year, Yimiti Keranmus' early-maturing vegetables generated over 6,000 yuan in income. Along with planting cantaloupes and corn, as well as raising cattle and sheep, Keranmus' per capita income exceeded 4,000 yuan, making them one of the wealthier households in the township. Inspired by Yimiti Keranmu's success, more villagers began their journey toward prosperity.

Bahade Kader often says, "Rank is not what defines a leader; it's the genuine, practical actions taken for the people that truly earn their heartfelt support. Actions need not be earth-shattering to be meaningful; if they touch the hearts of the common folk, they will naturally offer their deepest admiration and praise." These are not just words for Bahade Kader; they are the principles by which he lives and works.

By OUC