Netizens flood principal with praise

The principal of a Guangzhou primary school has won praise from netizens and parents alike after a photo of him carrying students to school in flooded conditions appeared online on May 24.

In the photo taken and uploaded by a parent, Zhong Shigui is seen wading through ankle-high floodwater at the front gate of Luoxi Xicheng Primary School with a pupil on his back holding an umbrella.

Zhong rolls up his trousers and walks barefoot, bearing a pupil on his back to get her to school in the wet conditions. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

"This is full of love" said one netizen, with another commenting "A good principal in China".

According to local witnesses at the time, there were three security guards and two other men helping Zhong to get the students to school in the wet conditions.

"With the rainstorm this morning the school gate was flooded with water and some students were too young to walk across by themselves," Zhong said. "We are familiar with the school terrain and it is our responsibility to protect them."

Zhong Shigui, principal of Luoxi Xincheng Primary School, Panyu district, Guangzhou. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]