December 2013 Update

Zhangshu City Geshan Yu-Lang Hope Elementary School

Date of Visit: December 13, 2013

Purpose of Visit: Project Completion

Grades: K-6 (8 classes total)

This school is of moderate quality.

Students

No. of Students: 238 (no boarding)

The town values education. The student population is stable. All students graduate on to junior high in Geshan.

Teachers

No. of Teachers: 14

Music, PE, and art classes are taught, but the teachers aren’t specialized. English classes begin in the third grade.

Buildings/Facilities

– 8 classrooms
– Library: ~1,300 books
– Computer Room: 1 computer
– Cafeteria: under construction
– Restrooms: newly constructed; 12 squat-style toilets

Problems/Issues

Lacking educational tools/equipment. Not enough computers and library books. The campus grounds are not concreted or landscaped yet. The athletic field will be constructed next year. The school entrance needs to be replaced. However, the county-level government is very supportive.