Shen Qiqi cleared her throat, put on an "expert" demeanor, and vividly talked about the benefits of modern education.
"Aunts, the world outside is developing so fast now! We used to think that being able to write and do math was enough, but now it's no longer the case! Children need to learn math, physics, chemistry, and English to have better futures!"
She took out the data she had prepared long ago and pointed at the densely packed numbers on it, "Look! This is the information I specially asked someone to bring back from the city! Children who have received modern education can become doctors, engineers, and scientists in the future! They will have high salaries, good benefits, and can contribute to the country!" She deliberately paused, looked around, and observed everyone's reactions.
The eyes of several young mothers lit up when they heard this. Their children are at school age, and they naturally hope that their children can have a better future.
But some older people don't quite believe it.
"Qiqi, we don't understand what you're talking about. Back then, it was considered lucky for children to finish elementary school, but we still had to farm and work, didn't we?"
Shen Qiqi didn't get annoyed and continued to speak, "Auntie, times have changed! If you don't learn now, you will be eliminated in the future! Just like the tractors in our village, they have now been replaced with more advanced ones! We must keep up with the pace of the times!"
At this time, Liu the Blacksmith stood up, his arms folded across his chest, a look of disdain on his face. "Qiqi, what are you saying? What's the point of having children study? You might as well learn blacksmithing from me. With a skill in hand, you'll never go hungry!"
Shen Qiqi was not to be outdone, "Uncle Liu, what you said is not right! The country is now vigorously developing industry, and what will be needed in the future are all kinds of technical talents! Only children who can read can better master these technologies!" She became more and more excited as she spoke, as if she had already seen the scene of advanced technology in the future.
"Qiqi, we don't understand what you are saying. We just know that if children learn a skill, they can earn money to support the family sooner!" an old lady echoed.
Blacksmith Liu raised his chin proudly, as if he was sure of victory.
Shen Qiqi took a deep breath, knowing that today's "debate" would not be easy.
She pointed at Lu Qing's nephew who was playing in the distance and said, "Aunties, look at the Lu family's child. He loves reading! He told me that he wants to be a scientist and build a rocket that can fly into the sky!"
Liu the Blacksmith scoffed. "Rocket? What the hell is that? Can you even eat it?"
Shen Qiqi ignored his ridicule and turned to Lu Qing's nephew and said, "Come on, tell everyone why you want to study."
The little boy ran to Shen Qiqi, puffed out his chest, and said loudly: "I want to study! I want to be educated like Aunt Qiqi! I want to build a rocket and fly into the sky!"
The child's clear voice echoed at the entrance of the village.
Some villagers nodded, and Shen Qiqi felt a lot of pressure and frowned...
Some villagers nodded, and Shen Qiqi felt a huge pressure.
This is no joke. If I mess up, how will I survive in the village in the future?
She frowned, feeling more nervous than during the final exam.
Lu Qing held Shen Qiqi's hand tightly and gave her a firm look.
Come on, wife!
I'm rooting for you!
Shen Qiqi shook hands back, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.
Fortunately you are here!
"Uncle Liu, times have changed! It's no longer the era where you can live comfortably just by being a blacksmith!" Shen Qiqi took a deep breath and decided to use her ultimate move. "Think about it, if every household has a tractor or a car in the future, who will still use a horse-drawn carriage? Who will still use horseshoes? By then, will the craft of blacksmithing still be passed down?"
Blacksmith Liu was speechless after being asked this question. Although he was stubborn, he was not a fool.
Shen Qiqi struck while the iron was hot, "Only by studying can children master more skills and adapt to future development! Just like the new arithmetic I'm teaching them now, they can calculate quickly and accurately, which will be useful in future business and construction!"
The old principal couldn't help but interrupt, "Qiqi, we've considered what you said. But the school's conditions are limited right now, funding is insufficient, and the teaching staff can't keep up!"
Shen Qiqi smiled slightly, "Principal, I've already thought of what you're talking about!" She pulled out a plan from her bag, "This is the education reform plan I compiled. It includes curriculum, teaching methods, teacher training, and so on. I've already contacted education experts in the county, and they can come to the village regularly to provide guidance!"
Everyone was a little surprised when they saw Shen Qiqi's confident look.
This girl is really capable!
Mrs. Lu had been silent the whole time, but suddenly she spoke up, "Qiqi, everything you said is empty talk! Children should still prioritize honoring their parents! What's the point of reading so many books? Aren't you supposed to get married, have children, and raise them?"
Shen Qiqi had long expected the old lady to come up with this, and she calmly refuted, "Grandma, of course I agree with what you said about filial piety. However, there are many ways to be filial! With society developing so rapidly now, children with knowledge and culture can better take care of their parents and let them live a good life!"
She paused and added, "Like me, although I haven't read many books, I understand new ideas and new methods, which can help my family make money and improve their lives! Isn't this filial piety?"
Old Mrs. Lu was choked and speechless.
Shen Qiqi turned to Teacher Zhao and said, "Teacher Zhao, what do you think?"
Teacher Zhao nodded excitedly. "Qiqi is right! We can't use the old ways of education anymore! We need to cultivate a new generation of builders and enable them to make greater contributions to our country and society!"
"But..." The old principal was still a little hesitant.
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