A Photo That Moved a Nation
One year after Wang Fuman became known worldwide as “Ice Boy”, after a photo of him arriving at school with his hair and eyelashes frozen from the winter cold, life has significantly improved for him and many other children facing similar hardships in Yunnan Province.
Wang, a 9-year-old student from Ludian County in Zhaotong, captured hearts last January when he walked into class covered in ice after a long, freezing trek to school. Soon after, media reports revealed that Wang lived with his sister and grandmother, while his father worked far from home and his mother had left the family.
A Family Reunited
As the story spread, Wang’s life began to change. His mother, who had been unaware of the situation, saw the widespread news coverage and returned home, ashamed yet deeply moved, reuniting with her children.
Meanwhile, Wang’s father found a new job as a construction worker in Ludian, earning about 200 yuan per day, well above the county’s average income.
A New Home and a Brighter Future
Through a combination of social donations and Wang’s father’s hard work, the family moved into a new house located just a 10-minute walk from school. Wang no longer needs to face the harsh winter mornings on foot.
Support From the Community
Local authorities and NGOs also stepped in to improve conditions at the school. Today, the campus includes upgraded laboratories, a computer room, and dormitories for students, major improvements that will benefit countless children for years to come.
“I’m grateful to all those warmhearted people who’ve helped us”, Wang said. “I will study hard and work in a big city someday so I can repay their kindness.”
A Community Lifted Out of Poverty
The positive impact has extended far beyond Wang’s family. In response to national poverty-reduction efforts, Ludian County made significant progress in 2018:
- 15 impoverished villages were lifted out of poverty
- The overall poverty incidence dropped by 4.91 percentage points
A Story of Hope and Change
Wang Fuman’s journey, from braving winter winds as “Ice Boy” to enjoying a safer, warmer, and more promising future, highlights the profound effects of compassion, community support, and nationwide efforts to reduce poverty. His story continues to inspire countless people across China and around the world.