Li Hu teaches theory to trainees at a temporary shelter in Houjialou village of Yongan town, Fenxi county, Shanxi province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Despite suffering from recent heavy rainstorms, residents of Yongan town in Fenxi county, Shanxi province, are eagerly participating in a vocational training course held at a temporary shelter in Houjialou village.

More than 9,000 residents affected by floods in the first week of October were evacuated safely.

The temporary shelter set up at Boxiang Vocational and Technical Training School in Houjialou housed 177 residents from nearby villages.

With the help of teaching facilities and professional teachers at the school, the local government opened an eight-day training course in making Chinese-style pastry for people under the age of 60.

"Trainees can get a vocational qualification certificate after passing the exam," said Wang Zhonghuai, director of the county's human resources and social security bureau. "It will be a good opportunity for residents who can work to improve their entrepreneurial skills and employment prospects."

Trainee Jia Guoli said, "Due to the drought in the summer and floods in recent days, we will likely have a poor harvest this year. If I can learn more skills, I can make more money when I go out to work."

Li Hu, their teacher, gave lessons in both theory and practice.

"I want to offer all my skills to them, hoping to help them benefit in their post-disaster reconstruction," Li said.