The Basic Education Program seeks to improve the quality and delivery of basic education in the under-served regions of rural China. This Program encompasses two major initiatives: the “Teacher Certification Project” and the “Student Sponsorship Project” Both projects use expertise from local universities and operate in cooperation with the local Ministry of Education. The Program in Guangxi, after four years of operation, has expanded from Ziyuan to include Longshen, Yangshuo, Rongshiu, Gongcheng and Wuxuan counties.

Student Sponsorship Project

The student sponsorship project provides school-aged children from impoverished rural families with the financial support they need to attend school for a basic education.

Family poverty prevents many children from attending school. Their family simply cannot afford school fees. Many rural areas do not have local schools so children need to travel elsewhere to attend a school, adding room and board fees to their education costs. Some of these children are remarkably talented and intelligent, with high aspirations while others simply have the dream of just learning to read and write.

Children targeted for this program are those whose family poverty would otherwise prevent them from attending school. Eligibility is determined by academic performance and financial needs. The financial needs assessment is made by local government officials. CRRS provides funding for children’s school fees, and room and board.

The cost of providing support for one rural child’s basic education is $180 (CAD) per year or $540 (CAD) for three-year. This includes all school fees, as well as room and board at the school.

The initial Teacher Certification Project consisted of a three-year self-study curriculum enabling uncertified teachers in rural communities to complete a basic education program leading to certification. For the last three years, the Teacher Certification Project has expanded to included support to rural teachers for purposes of completing first degree as well as postgraduate degree.

CRRS believes that as these rural teachers improve their skills, the quality of education for rural school children improves as a consequence. Teachers targeted for this project are those whose poverty prevents them from paying for courses. Teachers meeting criteria are provided financial assistance by the Project to cover tuition fees, cost of training materials, transportation and accommodations related to attending school.

The Teacher Certification Project operates through financial contributions from CRRS supporters. The cost of providing support for one teacher for one year is a modest $200 (CAD) or $600 (CAD) for the full three-year program.

Financial contributions are tax-deductible in Canada, the USA, and Hong Kong. Donors will receive regular program updates in the CRRS quarterly newsletter.