Basic Information

Full name: REN Lifeiyang, Renie

University: The University of Hong Kong

Department: The Faculty of Social Sciences

Title of your LiA project

Sociology of Education and Empowerment of Rural Students in Sichuan, Mainland China

The organisation/charity: Pad for Hope

Organization/charity contact

Full name: Linda Tang

Email address: linda@padforhope.org

The need or cause you are supporting

Pad for Hope is an NGO that aims to narrow down the information and technology gap between cities and villages in China, as well as providing courses to rural students in various schools and areas.

Goal

The initial idea of our LiA project is to bridge the digital divide and gap between rural areas and cities in Mainland China, by equipping students with available funding and technologies. And our big picture is to empower students in this summer through both fundraising and various workshops. Based on this goal, students could have chances to connect with others and have more basic resources for their future study. 

Challenges and Barriers 

1. Economic Inequality in Mainland China:
The stark economic disparities can hinder access to technology and educational resources for rural students.

2. Hardship of Fundraising:
Securing funds can be challenging, particularly in less populated and economically disadvantaged areas.

3. Course Designing:
Crafting effective and engaging courses tailored to the needs of rural students can be difficult.

Ideas to Overcome Barriers or Challenges

1. Contact local organizations for advocacy and cooperation:
Collaborate with local NGOs and community groups to build a network of support and resources.

2. Fully utilize social media for fundraising:
Utilize platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and other social media to raise awareness and funds for our initiatives.

3. Employ efficient course teaching with de-centered approaches:
Implement engaging and participatory teaching methods that empower students and cater to their specific educational needs.

Milestones per Week

Week 1: Immersive Visits to Local School

1) Conduct meetings with school administrators to introduce the project.
2) Observe classrooms and teaching methods to identify areas of improvement.
3) Gather feedback from teachers and students regarding their needs and challenges.

Week 2: Planning for Fundraising

1) Develop a detailed fundraising strategy, including target amounts and timelines.
2) Identify potential funding sources such as grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships.
Create marketing materials to promote fundraising initiatives.
3) Set up crowdfunding campaigns and draft social media posts to reach wider audiences.

Week 3: Grounded Action and Cooperation with Local Organizations in Chengdu

1) Reach out to local bookstores and community groups to form partnerships.
2) Organize a joint meeting to discuss collaboration opportunities.
3) Establish roles and responsibilities among partners and clarify expectations.

Week 4: Social Media Advocacy and Fundraising

1) Launch social media posts on the WeChat subscription and groups in highlighting the mission and goals of the project.
2) Share stories of local students and their aspirations to engage the audience.
3) Monitor social media engagement and gather feedback for continuous improvement.

Week 5: Hosting Workshops for Rural Kids and Exhibiting Students' Works

1) Prepare materials and resources needed for the workshops.
2) Train volunteers or educators who will assist in conducting the workshops.
3) Conduct creative workshops focusing on arts and personal development.
4) Organize an exhibition at the end of the week showcasing students’ work and achievements.

Week 6: Suggestions for Future Planning and Summary

1) Collect feedback from participants, volunteers, and partners about the project execution.
2) Analyze data on fundraising outcomes and community engagement efforts.