Three disabled Chinese men independently making a living by selling garlic, sparking inspiration in numerous individuals
In the heart of Jiangxi province in southeastern China, three young men named Long, Han, and Qi are making a name for themselves. Despite their varying degrees of cerebral palsy, they have found a way to earn a living by selling garlic and ginger online, inspiring many with their self-reliance and mutual support.
Long, the most severely affected, lacks feeling in his legs and relies on a wheelchair. Han struggles with speech, while Qi has weak legs and can only stand for three minutes at a time. They met through local events organised by the Disabled Persons' Federation and now share a small rented room, where they assist each other with daily tasks such as dressing and household responsibilities.
Their livelihood is supported by a combination of Qi’s grandfather’s pension, government disability allowances of around 400 yuan (US$55) per month for the other two, and occasional help from local officials providing food and supplies. Their story has been documented and shared online by a friend named Xiaoyu, who lost a hand and was disfigured in a fire. Xiaoyu, who documents the men from Jiupai News, a mainland media outlet, has 23,000 followers online and shares their content to garner social support for them.
The men's daily routines and work are documented by Xiaoyu, who has helped raise awareness and social support for them. Their inspiring story has touched the hearts of many, with their self-reliance and mutual support being a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges.
[1] Xiaoyu's full name and the specific media outlet are not provided in the bullet points.
- Despite their individual struggles due to cerebral palsy, Long, Han, and Qi have adopted a sustainable-living lifestyle by selling garlic and ginger online, emphasizing their resilience and mutual support.
- Xiaoyu, a friend who lost a hand in a fire and is a social-media influencer with 23,000 followers, shares their lifestyle and daily routines on home-and-garden and general-news platforms, helping generate public awareness and support.
- Alongside the financial support from government disability allowances, Qi’s grandfather’s pension, and occasional help from local officials, the men's inspiring story of responsible-gambling with their resources has spread, touching the hearts of many.
- Living in a small rented room and assisting each other with daily tasks, the men have demonstrated their determination to lead a dignified lifestyle, setting an example for crime-and-justice reform and promoting a shift towards a more inclusive society.
- As their story highlights accidents and the consequences they can have, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and promoting a culture of compassion and mutual support.
