China’s economic reforms began over three decades ago and have successfully lifted more than 500 million people out of poverty. However, there are still more than 106 million people living in poverty in the rural areas.

The nine-year compulsory education policy was implemented in 1986. Though many of the rural poor are beginning to enjoy the benefit under this policy, they still have many needs. For example, they need to pay for uniforms and the mid-day meal. If the family lives too far away from the school for the student to commute (almost always by foot), the child would have to board, which means more costs to bear.

Since high school education is not free, families of poor students who test into high school face the dilemma of having to come up with both tuition fees and living expenses, which can be several thousand RMB a year, depending on the location.

According to the World Bank, a high school education for the adult working members virtually guarantees a household’s exit out of poverty. The goal of our Children’s Programme in China is to break that cycle of poverty by ensuring as many rural students as possible complete their high school education. The Student Sponsorship Programme provides financial assistance to many needy families. In addition, our School Improvement Programme makes sure that the place where they are studying is safe.

Learn more:

Education Sponsorship Programme

School Improvement Programme 

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As a result of the economic reform in China, millions of people have poured into the cities to find work. There are approximately 262 million rural migrant workers in China. Many leave their children in the villages (left-behind children) to be cared for by ageing parents or relatives. Still many more bring their children with them to the cities (migrant children). By 2010 there were 35.8 million migrant children in China. 

Because of the household registration (hukou) system, these children do not have access to free public education or health care in the cities. They have very little choice but to attend overcrowded, substandard and fee-charging private schools. 

Our Children’s Programme in China gives these migrant children the opportunity to realize their potential and leave a life of poverty with tuition assistance, academic enhancement and character education. These are delivered through our HOPE worldwide Centre for Kids. Currently there are six such centres in three cities. 

Learn more:

HOPE worldwide Centre for Kids

Character Success Education