On 1st March 2011, the ceremony of "Inspiring National Strength — Chinese of the Year 2010" was held in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Ruan Wenping, a student majoring in Chinese Language and Literature in the OUC was recommended by netizens and the Experts Committee and was selected as a "Chinese of the Year 2010".

Chen Changzhi, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, Abulahat Abdurixit, vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Gu Xiulian, vice chairman of the 10th NPC Standing Committee, Zhou Changkui, secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League (CYL) of China, and other leaders attended the ceremony and presented the awards to the team winners and the individual winners. More than 200 leaders from related ministries and representatives from all walks of life attended the ceremony. Yang Zhijian, president of the OUC, and Cui Jian, party secretary of Guangxi Radio and TV University, were also invited to attend the ceremony.

Ruan Wenping with national leaders

Ruan Wenping is currently studying at the Baise Branch School, Guangxi Radio and TV University. He graduated from the OUC majoring in Primary School Education. He is now pursuing his bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature at the OUC. He is a teacher in Nong Huai Nian En Primary School, Xiajia Town, Lingyun County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Ruan Wenping with Yang Zhijian, President of the OUC and Cui Jian, Party Secretary of Guangxi Radio and TV University

Ruan Wenping's legs are disabled. For 15 years, he has been walking with sticks to persuade school-age children of Yao Minority group to go to school. He has turned a village school which was suspended for 4 years into an outstanding one. The number of students has grown from zero to 84. The percentage of local school-age children who entered school is 100%. For several years, the performance of the students from this primary school has been the best in the county. One student was accepted by a key high school and one went to university. Ruan also combines Chinese with Yao language to give bilingual classes and helps more than 60 students of Yao nationality to see the world beyond the mountains they live. In July, 2009, Ruan Wenping was awarded the title of National Role Model of Self-reliance by the China Disabled Persons' Federation and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the P.R.C. In May 2010, he was awarded the 14th Youth May 4th Medal.

The Experts Committee has expressed its appreciation for Mr. Yuan's work: The handicapped village teacher is like the everlasting torch of knowledge. His walking sticks measure his rough life journey in the remote area. He lights up the future of the Yao children!

Ruan Wenping with the award presenters

The activity of "Inspiring National Strength — Chinese of the Year 2010" is approved by the Central Committee of the CYL of China, guided by All-China Youth Federation and promoted by Children of China Journal with CETV, People online, Youth online and other major media. From 2010, candidates will be selected among Chinese at home and abroad to show the excellent Chinese to the world. The activity was started last November and got recommendations from netizens, social organizations, and relevant units. After the careful selection and voting of the Experts Committee, one team and 15 individuals have been awarded the title.

Jin Hongyu, the OUC