Why

We have chosen the students of Guixi Junior High School of Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County because we have a personal connection with their head teacher, Jiang Wujun. When I reached out to Ronald and asked for guidance and input regarding ways in which we might be able to help in the face of this disaster, Ronald nobly suggested we help in Beichuan rather than Mianyang – where he currently teaches – noting that the people of Beichuan have suffered extensive damage and have fewer resources with which to address the effects of the quake. Ronald’s good friend, Jiang Wujun, happens to teach in Beichuan, and thus our connection has been made.

Beichuan county was hit especially hard by the May 12th quake. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, "Of all the towns in China's Sichuan province hit by the May 12 quake, none took it as hard as Beichuan. Although estimates of the death toll vary, the county governor has said that only 4,000 of the town's 22,000 permanent residents escaped that day. About 60% of the buildings in the newer area of town were flattened, as were 80% in the old section." Many evacuees have left the area and are being housed in large stadiums in Mianyang. It is uncertain when, if ever, they will return to their homes.

According to Ronald and Mr. Jiang, Guixi Junior High School (as many of the schools, homes and businesses in the area) was almost entirely decimated. The school will need to be rebuilt, a process that Ronald reports is already underway. The students whose homes were destroyed are currently either living with relatives or living in tents on the school campus. Ronald visited the students a week ago, and most were still living in tents, attempting to study and begin classes in these conditions. Many of the students have nothing left with the exception of the clothing they wore at the time of the quake. It is in these conditions that the students face preparing for the academic year, one that is particularly important for their futures. The 3rd year is a key time in the educational process for Chinese students, as Chinese education is compulsory for only nine years. At this point, students take an exam (Zhongkao); the outcome of this exam determines whether or not a student will continue on to the 9^th grade, or high school. A successful score on this exam is crucial for the future of these students not only in terms of their educational future but also in terms of finding future work, etc.

We hope, through this fund, to invest in the futures of the students at Guixi Junior High School by enabling them to focus on their studies and exam preparations rather than worrying about dorm fees, the cost of food and/or clothing.