Mentally handicapped children in China face many problems. In 2007 the Tian Yuan Yizhui Service Centre opened in Shandong Province and has taken 21 students on board since then. The day centre applies care and dedicated therapy to provide its students with the essential knowledge needed for them to transfer back into free, state education and ultimately integrate into local society where possible. The centre already boasts two success stories of students re-entering the state school system.
Sadly the realities of rural poverty mean that the cost of such therapy is beyond the means of most parents. About half the families who attend the Tian Yuan Centre can afford a reduced fee of about US$50/€30 per month while the remainder pay even less or are taken in for free. However, two children have already had to drop out of the programme because the Centre could not afford more children without some support. The shortfall in income further translates into higher pupil-teacher ratios, less equipment and poor maintenance of the building.
BRICKS has been working with Tian Yuan for some time to get a real picture of the needs of the children and the Centre. In that time we have helped them put in place a scholarship programme to cover 5 children’s total expenses at the Centre every year. To fully fund a child at Tian Yuan Centre for one month costs 700 RMB or US$50/€30. BRICKS’ Goal is to raise the US$3,000 which will cover these children for a whole year. With your help, this will ensure the students of Tianyuan are given the opportunities they deserve right from the start.
Thank you for your support.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Gansu Shelter Belt
- Yu Shu Earthquake Appeal
- Tian Ji Social Service Center
- Xin Yue Center
- Yong Qing AIDS Center
