Giving Rural China Girls a Chance

Imagine what it would have been like for you if you had to drop out of school in the 4th grade because your parents were too poor to send you to school.  Where would you be today without your education? This is what100 girls in the poor rural areas of Xian, China were facing until Valley Presbyterian Church stepped in to help.  

VPC gave scholarships for three years (2003-2006) to 100 Chinese girls at $40 per child per year, so that they could continue their education for grades 4-6.  In 2007, VPC extended their commitment to these 100 girls for three more years of middle school (grades 7-9, 2007-2010) at $75 per child per year. Funding not only has come from VPC mission budget, but also through inspired fund raising by VPC kids, through Christmas gift sales supporting the girls, and through generous private donations of members. 

The education of these girls has made a big difference in their lives.   This is what some of them say:

My family is very poor. We live in a mud house.  Life is hard for us.  I had to stop my schooling until you came to support us.  I shall treasure this rare opportunity.  When I grow up, I also want to be like you, to support those poor students who are unable to attend school.

Due to my poverty it is difficult for my parents to put me through school.  Luckily, we received your support.  You made me realize that not only parents love their children.  There are other people who care for poverty stricken children.  This makes me feel the blessing of being loved.

All over the world, women’s rights and position in society lag appallingly far behind men’s.  Sadly, women are disproportionately illiterate and poor.  An effective solution to these ills is the education of girls. Not only are there personal benefits to the girls, but there are societal benefits which include slower population growth, faster economic growth, better family health, better family education and more political involvement of women.

Our commitment to this project ended in 2009 (for the 2009-10 school year), but we are exploring possibilities of continuing the education of some of our girls in 2010.

VPC Contact: Alice Chiang