Conceived in 2008 the project was the financial beneficiary of a sponsored ride from Shanghai to Beijing by 12 Melbourne, Australia based cyclists.

CYDF partnered with Australian Volunteers International (AVI) and the local community to rebuild a primary school in, Rural China. The school currently has 524 enrolled students.

The rebuilding project included new classrooms, improved central play area and new toilet facilities.

The ceremony itself was a gala affair; Speeches, Red Scarf presentation, singing, flute ensemble, poetry reading, a fan dance and a presentation of an embroider FU, a symbol of good luck! The official party were then hosted to an amazing banquet!

I would like to thank all the sponsors and specfically ZTE, the fellow riders, CYDF, AVI and the Local and school community who all contributed uniquely to this important and impressive project. Thank you all.

For example the remaining funds can be used to set up a modern playground with safe, attractive equipment suited to the needs of small children (6-9 years). This is one of the aspects that will help them attract and retain children in the area – a core principal of the Hope School Projects. We can also explore using the remaining funds to support short term teacher training programs through Project Hope’s training centres.

An official opening of the school will take place later this year, or early in the new year. Look forward to sharing the continued progress.

Last week, a representative from AVI met with the Director and Project Manager from Project Hope and the two headmasters from the Melbourne Hope School. The aim of the visit was to understand the current progress of the construction of the school as well as to gain insights into the ongoing development needs this school may require. AVI felt this school, located in Tianjin city, was very worthy of the support being given. As this school is quite close to Beijing the local families and farmers are finding it very difficult at the moment as a lot of the water supplies are being diverted to the main city, which is putting increasing pressure on their capabilities to earn money. The headmasters of the school are extremely excited and appreciative of the support from all of the donors, as the enhancements will help to continue to attract students and families to the region and reduce the number of people who move to find better educational facilities.

There is great progress being made on the construction of the new facilities. As there are quite a lot of works occurring, the students have had to be transferred to other surrounding schools. They are all extremely excited to return to their school as soon as possible!! The new facilities have been built to accommodate a growing population in the future and adhere to the strict new earthquake building guidelines.

AVI will provide a full report on their visit to the Melbourne Hope School and its progress shortly.