For someone who had no clue about special education, Ji Siniu is now a veteran in the profession who has helped train deaf-and-mute students and integrate them into the mainstream society in Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture in Yunnan province.

More than 50 students have passed through her hands to find jobs or run their own businesses. "Whenever my students find a job and become part of society, I feel on top of the world. That is the ultimate purpose of all teachers here," says Ji, 45.

Located in the Liuku township in Lushui county, the Nujiang Special Education School was founded in 1994 for mentally challenged children and those with listening and speaking difficulties, says Ji, now deputy principal of the school.