Huining County Baicaoyuan Erbaihu Yu-Lang Hope Elementary School
Date of Visit: September 24, 2012
Purpose of Visit: Revisit
Grades: K-6 (7 classes total)
Classroom desks and chairs at the school were donated by TDF. Locals migrating away for work and low birthrates have become the norm, leading to a shrinking student population. At the same time, bad policies and a trend for building large-scale central schools are causing educational resources to become limited or wasted. Both Gansu and Ningxia (neighboring province) have this same problem; however, Ningxia is already beginning to develop its commerce and industries, and thus creating many new job opportunities which will help attract workers back to their hometowns.
Students
No. of Students: 155 (0 boarding)
Students are earnest with their studies. 100% of students graduate on to county-level or township-level junior highs. Due to the serious problem of locals moving away for work, the student population is gradually declining. In the past, the student population would be as high as 340 students, and according to the principal, the figure may eventually decline to about 100 students.
Teachers
No. of Teachers: 14
Most of the teachers were born to families with educational backgrounds. The teachers are dedicated to their work, and are ranked 2nd out of the 9 schools in the township.
Buildings/Facilities
– 7 classrooms
– 2 multi-purpose rooms
– Library: ~3,460 books
– Computer Room: 7 computers
– Restrooms: 25 squat-style toilets
Problems/Issues
The campus grounds are only partially concreted, which makes it difficult to walk through on rainy days. Need 30 computers, science equipment, and PE equipment. Need to hire English, music, and PE teachers.