Ding Guilan serves a meal to students in her home in Pingluo county, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

With the new house heater turned on and meals ready, Ding Guilan waits for children to arrive at her home after class.

Of the 180 students at Lingsha Central School, Pingluo county, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, half are left-behind children whose parents work far away.

To accompany children and provide extra lessons, after-class schools were set up by the school in the county. Ding's home is one of these schools.

"Teachers provide free lessons after school, and I simply provide space. It is not difficult for me," the 65-year-old Ding says.

She upgraded the heating equipment in her home to make students more comfortable.

A schoolteacher checks homework in Ding Guilan's home in Pingluo county, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)

Students are accompanied by a teacher on duty from the school. They discuss their performances on a recent exam.

"I suppose I'll get a high score this time because the exam is not too difficult," said Li Jinnan, a fourth-grader.

From September 2019, after-class schools were set up in 22 different places by a few parents or people like Ding Guilan. Her place was dubbed Granny's Desk by students.

After-school classes are an effective way to supervise students. They can communicate with each other, and be friendly and positive.

"I enjoy staying with kids, and I hope they can master more knowledge here," Ding Guilan said.