Zhong Fuhai never thought the power of the mass media could equip his students with school desks and chairs, leaving the era of "bring your own desk" behind.

Although suffering a sore throat from endless interviews with reporters in recent days, the 48-year-old teacher at Nangang Primary School in Shunhe township, Hubei province, was cheered by the arrival of new school desks and chairs.

"I've been working here for more than 30 years, and I was used to the lack of desks and chairs at the school. I never thought a news story could help us," Zhong said.