Traffic police clear snow on a highway in Chongqing Municipality, southwest China, on Janary 20, 2011. Snow in parts of the city has accumulated up to 15 centimeters high after witnessing four days of snow in a row (CHEN CHENG)

A new round of rain and snow will hit most of south China once again in the coming days. Guizhou, Guangdong, Chongqing and other southern regions have already suffered freezing weather for days; unfortunately, the cold temperatures do not look likely to pass any time soon.

The cold snap has brought a great deal of inconvenience for residents in these regions. Traffic has slowed, electricity and water are scarce in some areas and heating is a concern for many families. However, the greatest concern is for the students that walk to school every day, especially since they are facing upcoming exams. Is it safe for the children to endure these temperatures? Are their classrooms warm enough? Will their exams be negatively impacted?

The efforts being made by local government officials and local residents alike to aid these children have been truly heart-warming. Emergency measures have been enacted to help the children. Blankets have been distributed, class suspension notices have been delivered and teams of volunteers have been enlisted to help the kids make the cold journey between their homes and schools.

The actions of these individuals have not only kept the children physically warm, but have also warmed the hearts of their parents. The safety of the children has always been placed first. This is an excellent example of one of the most important values we can teach: to help others when they need it the most.

The unabated weather conditions are still creating challenges for us even now. But in a way, this experience is an educational moment for all of us, teaching us how to cope with natural disaster while still managing to lead normal, productive lives.

(Source: People's Daily, translated by ZHONG MING)