Back to School

By Dale & Cyndi Gummin (Directors of Project Eden)
September! So, what is on your “back-to-school” shopping list? Does it include uniforms, plastic slippers, wash-basin, broom and mosquito-prevention devices, along with the standard notebooks, pens and backpack?

This week our students from the Seng Girls’ School returned from summer holiday, after a journey that included 12 hours by bus, followed by almost 40 hours by train. They had barely recovered from all the travel and adjusted to the heat and heavy humidity of the south, before it was time to register for school and attend New Student Orientation Days at a government-sponsored Vocational-Technical school.

At this Vo-Tech school they will study a specific track for the next three years, such as English, computers or Kindergarten teacher, as well as have the opportunity to earn a high-school certificate upon completion. It is a steep hill to climb, but they seem eager for the challenge. The group of eight girls spent the past several days learning to navigate a campus of several thousand students and setting up the dorm room they share on the 5th floor. Since the school is nearby, they will return to Eden on weekends and holidays.

The remaining younger students will study on-site at Eden this year, focusing on Chinese, English and Math, and growing in confidence in their interactions with teachers on a daily basis, as well as with various friends who visit. It helps them to see their older “sisters” moving into the next steps of maturity and independence, encouraging them to dream and plan for their own future as young women.

We’re all glad to have them back, and wish them clarity in their studies and the joy of making new friends!

For more information about this project or to find out how you could partner with Captivating to bring lasting change to families in remote rural locations, contact andrewc@captivating.org

CHINA | SUPPORT A REMOTE VOLUNTEER TEACHER

Teacher Yu Qian's Kung Fu

Yu Qian, a teacher from Suzhou, Anhui Province, is an one of the pioneer volunteer teachers in the Support A Volunteer Teacher Program that we have in China. This is her fourth serving term. Teacher Yu is affectionately called "Goddess" because of her wisdom and good communication.

Teacher Yu is responsible...




CAPTIVATING’S ONE MORE YEAR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM | CHINA | EDUCATE GIRLS

Tubi Ermo: Reaching for the Stars

I am Tubi Ermo, a Grade 10 student sponsored by you. Last semester was difficult as I was still adjusting to high school. I found out that my favorite subject is English. But I realized that a junior high school level would not be enough for the exams, so I am now focusing on building up my...




CHINA | SUPPORT A REMOTE VOLUNTEER TEACHER

Teacher Cheng's Hope for Her Students

Hello everyone, I'm Cheng Manyu from Huanggang, Hubei.

This is my third semester volunteering at Yire Elementary School. Why did I choose to volunteer here?

During my university days, I watched a TV program called "Top 10 Most Touching People in China," which...




CAPTIVATING’S ONE MORE YEAR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM | CHILD SPONSORSHIP | CHINA | EDUCATE GIRLS

Beyond Grateful

Hi, my name is Tiantian, and I am a beneficiary of the One More Year program. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this program. Your kindness and care have restored the lives of students like me. This sponsorship has removed the financial burden on my family, allowing me to focus...




CHINA | EDUCATE GIRLS | SUPPORT A REMOTE VOLUNTEER TEACHER

Teacher Xu's Personal Growth

Today marks my 220th day serving as a volunteer teacher in the Daliang Mountain area. During this time, I have come into contact with a new field - preschool education. Before this, I had only heard about it and assumed it was simply about keeping...




CHINA | EDUCATE GIRLS | SUPPORT A REMOTE VOLUNTEER TEACHER

Queen of Our Hearts

He Zhenzhen is a veteran volunteer teacher from Yongzhou, Hunan Province. It is her seventh semester of teaching, and she is currently the principal of Ga Le Aimu Primary School. She is responsible for teaching the Chinese language to the Grade 3 students and is the head teacher of that class. She has been...