This paper analyses the socio-educational aspects in the education of a group of liushou ertong, left-behind-children, in a rural ethnic minority village in Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China. After economic reforms began, many peasants migrated to the cities, but their children, finding many obstacles in attending urban schools, were forced to remain in the countryside, under the care of their grandparents or other relatives/friends. This research highlights issues that are still relevant today, such as the diversification in the Chinese educational system, the rural/urban relationship, the mobilization of private initiative in education, and gender education. The conclusions highlight some positive points and problematic issues of a volunteer experience, and the different educational approaches that come into play in the traditional rural environment and the one implemented by young volunteers.