During the build-up to International Children’s Day which fell at the weekend, news related to primary school children in the region and the adults who were supposed to be protecting them was overwhelmingly bad.

However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom.

Zhang Xufen is recovering in hospital

Last week, one male primary school student was crossing the road in Shenzhen’s Luohu District when he was about to be hit by a car. A teacher saw what was about to happen and pushed the boy out of the way, leaving herself to be run over by the vehicle, Shenzhen Satellite Television reports.

The boy, surnamed Xiao, had just left the candy shop opposite Cuibei Primary School and was returning to campus with his younger sister when the incident took place.

The teacher, Zhang Xufen, is recovering in Shenzhen People’s Hospital after the front wheel ran over her left leg and the back wheel was inches away from running over her head.

The driver, Mrs. Zhao, took her to the hospital herself. She confessed to being in a hurry but traffic police don’t appear to be pursuing the case.

Huang Wenzhen, vice principal of the school, told reporters that Xiao’s parents had sent flowers and thank you notes.

Zhang being presented with her award.

Zhang has been described by colleagues as being of saintly modesty. She insists any teacher would have done the same in her position.

Several days after the incident took place, Zhang was awarded 10,000 yuan for her bravery and selflessness, according to XKB.

Chapter 56 of Rolf Dobelli’s “The Art of Thinking Clearly,” which was published this year, is titled: “How Bonuses Destroy Motivation.” In it, Dobelli argued that such monetary rewards cheapen acts of kindness.

What do you think?