Yu’an District Shizigang Yu-Lang Hope Elementary School
Date of Visit: May 11, 2017
Purpose of Visit: Revisit
Grades: 1-9
Students
No. of Students: 370 (256 elementary, 114 junior high; 43 boarding)
Students begin English lessons in the third grade.
Teachers
No. of Teachers: 42 (all boarding in three-storied teachers’ dormitory)
English, music, PE, and art class teachers are specialized in their subjects. However, qualified teachers in other subjects are lacking.
Buildings/Facilities
– 10+ classrooms (all equipped with bān bān tōng [斑斑通] electronic teaching systems)
– Science classroom
– Teachers’ offices
– Conference Room
– Library: ~20,000 books
– Computer Room: 30 computers (old)
– Cafeteria: provides free nutritious lunches; one cook on staff
– Restrooms: currently pit-style toilets (see below in Problems/Issues)
Problems/Issues
A large number of junior high students have migrated away with their parents to work, leading to a drop in student population. In need of music, art, and PE class equipment. Need newer, updated computers. Even though restrooms with flush-style toilets have been built for two years already, there is no sewage plumbing so they can’t be used. A solution is needed urgently to remediate this problem.