Our One More Year Scholarship Program is exactly what it sounds: we support 500 students from extremely impoverished families for ONE MORE YEAR of senior high school in China. If they graduate and still meet scholarship eligibility requirements, we continue our annual support through graduation.
When we visited Jigou Ziniang’s (22) home, the afternoon sun fell softly on the small adobe house where her family lives. Her parents were busy tending to their crops, and her younger siblings played quietly nearby. Despite the home’s simplicity, there was warmth and order in every corner — a reflection of the family’s hardworking spirit. When they spotted us, they warmly welcomed us to their humble abode.
Jigou’s family of six mainly relies on farming to survive. They cultivate 18 mu (12,000 sqm) of land where they grow corn, potatoes, and buckwheat — part of which they sell, part they keep as food, and part they use to feed their livestock of 3 pigs, 9 piglets, 1 cow, 9 sheep, and several chickens. Alongside crop farming, the family raises their total annual income is around CNY 14,000 (USD 1,970), made up of crop sales, livestock income, and government subsidies. However, their expenses—especially education and daily living costs—leave very little to spare.
Both of Jigou’s parents are illiterate. They shared honestly that this lack of education has limited their opportunities and that they only wish for their children to have a better life. “Even if we have no money,” her father said, “we will do everything we can to keep our children in school.”
Despite financial hardships, Jigou’s parents’ love and determination have shaped her into a kind, diligent young woman. During school breaks, she returns home to help with heavy farm work by digging potatoes, harvesting buckwheat, and collecting firewood. It takes her seven hours by car and nearly CNY 100 (USD 14) each way to travel from school to home. With that expensive amount, Jigou finds it economical to only visit during long holidays.
Jigou understands that dropping out to work would only provide short-term relief and that education is the only way to truly change her family’s future. With the support she receives, her parents’ financial burden has eased, allowing her to focus on her studies with peace of mind.
“I want to become a doctor,” she said with quiet determination. “I want to help people who are sick — and help my own family too.”
Through education, Jigou is not only learning — she is breaking a cycle of poverty and inspiring her younger siblings to dream beyond the mountains that surround their home.
Be a Part of the Solution
RMB 3,200 | USD 40 a month is all it takes to keep a girl in school for ONE MORE YEAR, giving her the chance to learn, grow, and succeed.
Sponsor a girl today and invest in her future.
