Adopt-A-Student program helps 2,000 children attend school
Thanks to Operation Blessing's Adopt-A-Student program, however, Guohua's tuition costs were covered, allowing her to complete all nine years of her public education.
In the 2006-2007 academic year, OB China's Adopt-A-Student program helped provide educational assistance and tuition for more than 2,000 children.
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CHINA - For most preteens, the transition from elementary school to middle school means more responsibility, freedom, and another step toward maturity. But for Guohua, the bridge to adulthood was out of reach.
Her mother had abandoned the family and Guohua was left to raise her younger brother while she watched her father's health slowly deteriorate. Upon her father's death, Guohua and her brother, Guowei, went to live with an uncle but were not able to continue school because of lack of funds.
With China's primary and secondary schooling system, all children are required to attend school for at least nine years. However, families must pay in order for children to participate.
With no financial support, Guohua and her brother would now have to enter the working world to help support their family.
Thanks to Operation Blessing's Adopt-A-Student program, however, Guohua's tuition costs were covered, allowing her to complete all nine years of her public education.
Guohua is now enrolled in college and studying to become a doctor. OB China is also continuing to help her brother Guowei finish his studies. He is currently in high school.
"I pledge one day to return this great kindness to those who have helped me," said Guohua, 19. "I am really touched by the constant help and encouragement."
Initially, OBI was contacted by a local women's organization to intervene for Guohua and her family. But the help didn't end there. Three years after the first contact, OBI staff visited the children again, this time making Guohua's wildest dreams come true.
After being accepted to a medical university, the community where Guohua lives mobilized into action and helped secure a government grant valued at $10,000 USD, which provided a full year of tuition. Operation Blessing matched the grant funds and the university responded by agreeing to cover the cost of all Guohua's meals.
OBI staff was on-hand in September to help Guohua pack her bags and leave for the university. The group loaded up the van and waited with Guohua at the train station.
"My classmates are all curious why I always talk about OBI staff," Guohua said.
"They ask me why do they treat you so well? Are they your relatives?"
For families like Guohua's who are unable to support the cost of education, OBI's Adopt-A-Student program is bridging the gap and helping to provide educational assistance and tuition for children in poverty-stricken areas throughout China.
More than 2,000 children were given financial assistance to attend school for the 2006-2007 calendar year.
To aid in helping even more children, OB China is working to partner with China Mobile, a billion dollar mobile communications company, to further their educational initiatives.
How You Can Help
Take part in bringing hope and a future for children like Guohua, who can't afford to go to school. By supporting the programs of Operation Blessing, you are giving countless children the opportunity for success.
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