Perseverance offers path to better life

Bamuyubumu has four children living at home with grandparents. Unlike people of her generation who never went to school, her son and two daughters are being educated and another daughter is waiting to attend school.

After she returned home in 2010, Bamuyubumu had no idea she had become a famous face. During the past 11 years, she has devoted herself wholeheartedly to making a better living, no matter the hardship.

Zhou, the photographer, never quit looking for Bamuyubumu.

"I wanted to know her story and kept thinking about it at different times. The determination she shows in the photo has encouraged me repeatedly during the past decade," he said.

He added that he feels there is "a certain connection" between Bamuyubumu and himself.