September 2012 Update

Dunhuang City Yangguan Yu-Lang Hope School

Date of Visit: September 28, 2012

Purpose of Visit: Revisit

Grades: K1-9 (17 classes total)

Concreting of the school grounds and campus landscaping are complete, and are of the utmost quality. Not only can one see Xinjiang poplars and silver birch/white poplars dotted throughout campus, the planter flowerbeds are full of various flora. Of all the schools visited, this campus has been managed the best. The principal is astute and capable, as well as enthusiastic and hardworking. He knows everything about the school like the back of his hand, and has ideas on how to further improve the school in the future. The principal continues to help secure funding/aid for school facilities, improving education quality and spirit. It is very admirable. Even though Yangguan is located in the middle of a desert, snowmelt from the nearby Qilian Mountains seep underground and emerge in Yangguan, forming a pond and becoming the area’s water source. This ample water supply allows the school to have flush-style restrooms.

Students

No. of Students: 622 (266 boarding)

Students have a strong desire to learn. 37% of students graduate on to high school in Dunhuang City, while the remaining go on to vocational high schools. The graduation rate has declined due to a high teacher turnover rate.

Teachers

No. of Teachers: 49

Teachers are earnest and dedicated to their work with a strong sense of responsibility. However, the turnover rate is high. In the past four years, 46 teachers took positions elsewhere in more urban areas, leading to a decline in education performance.

Buildings/Facilities

Problems/Issues

Classrooms are in need of multimedia equipment such as: computers, projectors, and screens. Lacking space for teachers to prepare lessons. There are five teaching positions that need to be filled.