Today we had our first video call with Mr. Chen, the principal of Bangwai Primary School.

We have discussed together which items are the most important to the school and kids, and have made a priority list:

1. Table & Chairs
The current tables and chairs were donated almost 6 years ago, so they are very worn-out and loose, and some are nearly broken. The school also lacks of dining tables for boarding students who are eating at school everyday.

2. Rice steaming machine & Fridge
The school currently have 47 boarding students whose homes are too far away from the school for daily commute. However, at the moment, there is only 1 small rice cooker and a tiny fridge, which fall far behind the requirements to prepare proper meals for those children.

3. Computer & Printer
Principal Chen told us, the school has one computer and one printer at the moment, but they are the most basic and outdated ones, and are only shared among teachers to prepare for classes and teaching materials. ‘It would be nice for our kids to get access to the Internet and some IT knowledge, because it will have a long-lasting beneficial impact on their futures ’. Therefore, our aim is to provide 4 computers and 1 more printer, so the school can have a computer room for IT classes.
(Internet connect is available in Bangwai Village)

4. Beddings
We asked Principal Chen about the accommodation conditions for boarding students. There are currently 2 dormitories at the school for 47 kids, which were converted from classrooms, and only 1 shower room. Boarding students brought their own beddings, but most of them have been used for years in their family, or made from unwanted cloths.

5. Study Tools and School Bags
‘To be honest, parents here are trying their best to provide their kids the most essential study tools, but constrained by income, most of the study tools are very old or simply just insufficient.’ Says Principal Chen. Thus, we plan to prepare each student a school bag with all essential study tools: pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, pencil box, and notebook.

We have again verified more details with Principal Chen and discussed about the delivery plan. As the nearest delivery pick-up point is 100km away from Bangwai Primary School, we will have to arrange a truck to pick up the donated items from Lincang City and deliver it to the Primary school in Bangwai.