Education is the foundation of a thriving community, but for schools in the countryside, this foundation faces unique challenges. Declining birth rates and urbanization have caused class sizes to shrink, leaving schools with fewer resources for the students who remain. Despite this, there is still hope. A small but growing group of younger generations is choosing to return to the countryside, bringing vitality back to rural areas.
One particular challenge in Longsheng is the phenomenon of "left-behind children." These children are often raised by their grandparents while their parents work in cities to support the family. While grandparents provide much-needed care, the absence of parents can mean these children miss out on critical parental guidance and support. Teachers in rural schools often go above and beyond their duties to fill this gap, working tirelessly to educate the children and create a harmonious, nurturing environment.
While the content of the education curriculum is tightly managed by the government to ensure standardization across China, Viori has been able to assist Longsheng schools in other meaningful ways. From upgrading school facilities to providing essential supplies and funding assistant teacher salaries, we’ve focused on areas where we can make a direct and lasting impact.
Last month, as the cold winter months approached, Viori assisted the local school with critical preparations. We provided new winter uniforms for the students, ensuring they could stay warm and focus on their studies. Additionally, we supported necessary repairs to the classrooms, including improving insulation to keep out the cold air, creating a more comfortable learning environment for the children.
While the structural challenges faced by rural schools may be beyond Viori’s ability to change entirely, we are committed to helping where we can with the resources we have. Each step, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of these students. As we reflect on our efforts, we are reminded of the profound words of Mother Teresa: “To save one child is to save the world.”