November 2013 Update
Date of Visit: November 13, 2013
Purpose of Visit: Project Progress Inspection
Grades: K-9 (1 class/grade, 10 classes total)
The new school building built with TDF funding will be divided into eight classrooms. Six rooms will be used as elementary grade classes, one as an activity room, and one for “left-behind children.” The classrooms in the old building that the elementary grades used will be turned into multi-purpose rooms once they move into the new building. The Department of Education has donated computers and bān bān tōng [斑斑通, electronic teaching system) to the school. They’re also getting the campus grounds concreted and landscaped, and adding safety measures (including a separate side path for vehicles, to prevent student injuries and damage to the school grounds). The new school building is scheduled to be completed by December 15, 2013, and classes will move in after winter break.
Students
No. of Students: 255 (37 boarding)
Due to the positive learning environment, students perform very well, even during assessments. 100% of the junior high students graduate, with about 60% entering Qimen County HS and the remaining going to vocational school.
Teachers
No. of Teachers: 37
Of the 40 elementary schools in Qimen County, this school ranks amongst the best. One of the teachers is an expert calligrapher, who also acts as a student counselor and encourages the junior high students to continue their studies after graduation and finish at least high school.
Buildings/Facilities
– 1 old school building (includes 9 classrooms, remaining used as multi-purpose rooms)
– 1 new school building (under construction; 6 classrooms, 1 activity room, and 1 room for “left-behind children”)
– Dormitory
– Library: 7,500 books
– Computer room: 25 computers
– Cafeteria: only a rice cooker, needs dining tables and chairs
– Restrooms: 40 squat-style toilets
Problems/Issues
The cafeteria needs more equipment and dining tables/chairs. Urgent need to replace 250 sets of classroom desks/chairs. The computer room has elevated flooring to allow network cable installation, but there is not enough funding to complete the setup.
