Lydia learning in her new computer classes.

Great news from our man in Asia, Tim, an Aussie who has a huge heart for hurting children. His recent trip to China was a fruitful one. Tim covers a lot of territory for Orphan's Promise and is faithful to check on all of OP's projects, even if it means heading into far-away little villages and going for days on end with no bath.

Tim writes -

For children living in the remote Chinese village of Shi Ban, studying computers was just a dream. This poor but picturesque village, nestled high in the cool mountains of Guizhou Province, was in great need to improve their standard of education. Children were dropping out of Primary School at a very early age.

Lydia with her sister

Orphan's Promise partner, CBN's Hong Kong Office, is working in the community of Shi Ban and requested assistance from OP to help improve the level of education at the local school. Staff suggested that one of the best ways to do this was by purchasing computers to improve education. Most students at the Primary School had never seen a computer before or knew what one was.

In November 2010, Orphan's Promise purchased 5 sets of computers and desks to help these students get a better education to prepare them for their future. Most Primary Schools in the District were not able to afford computers so this was giving these children of Shi Ban a real head start.

The computing teacher at Shi Ban Primary School is so happy to be able to use the computers donated by Orphan's Promise to teach the Grade 4-6 students computing skills, Word Processing, touch typing, English and Mandarin. Some of the students also use the computers to type and memorize Scripture.

New computer classroom

An English teacher from the school is using the computers regularly after hours to improve her English proficiency. She said, "I feel like I can teach English much better now that I can use the computers to study and practice phonetics. We are so blessed to be given these computers. They benefit both the students and teachers. We are so grateful. Thank you so much."

It was encouraging to hear that in 2011, Primary School students who had previously dropped out of school were now returning. They were eager to learn and keen to further their education. Children from other villages were even walking long distances just to attend the school in Shi Ban.

Lydia says "Thanks to my Orphan's Promise family."

Twelve year old Lydia is from the Yi ethnic group and loves to learn using the new computers in her Grade Six class. She lives with her elderly grandparents because her father works in the mines and her mother died three years ago from illness. Lydia feels that learning computers is going to give her skills that will help her achieve her dream of becoming both a Pastor and Doctor. When asked why she had this dream, Lydia said, "I want more people to know about the love of Jesus and there are no doctors in my village. I want to serve my community. Thank you for helping me to have a better chance at doing this."

It was moving to hear precious little Lydia share her dreams after the passing of her mother from illness. Orphan's Promise is grateful to its donors who enable us to play a small part in helping Lydia and the other children in this remote community receive a better education to help them achieve their dreams.

Terry – How wonderful to be able to partner with people like you who give, and an Aussie who has a heart for reaching the unreached to work on projects all over Asia to help children in China learn basic computer skills and stay in school! We are the Body of Christ at work!