In order to find out the development of preschool education under the policy of poverty alleviation through education and to enable teachers and students to gain a profound understanding of the national policy of targeted poverty alleviation through education, from July 17 through July 23, the XMU “Action for Guizhou” Doctoral Students Regional Economic Development Service Group conducted surveys and interviews in Pingba District, Anshun City, Guizhou Province.

On the morning of July 18, the group first visited two kindergartens in Pingba District, Little Eagle Kindergarten and Sunshine Kindergarten. As the largest and best-equipped private kindergartens in Pingba District, these two kindergartens enjoy a solid reputation in the local community, and they are also the priorities of the Pingba government’s program of reducing poverty through education. 

During the interviews, the heads of the two kindergartens briefed the XMU doctoral students on the development of their teachers, curriculum designs and safety management. The two kindergartens have grown steadily over the years, but due to their private nature, lack of retirement pensions and low welfare benefits for teachers, the turnover rates of teachers remain high, which has seriously affected the stability of teachers. Yet, the poverty alleviation policy support available in this regard is not comprehensive and systematic enough.

The doctoral students interview staff members of the Sunshine Kindergarten.

The doctoral students pose for a photo with children at the Little Eagle Kindergarten.

With the help of the Xiamen University Guizhou Alumni Association, the doctoral students visited the Pingba District Education Bureau and Science and Technology Bureau. Zhao Caijiang, an official of the Education Bureau, and other officials from the bureau’s financial, education and planning sections, met with the doctoral students. Both sides exchanged views on the development of preschool education under the poverty alleviation policy.

The doctoral students learned that in recent years, the Pingba District Government has actively responded to the state’s call for “targeted poverty alleviation through education” and set up special funds to provide financial support for public and private kindergartens. They offer an annual financial subsidy of 500 yuan to each preschooler on file and an annual nutrition subsidy of 600 yuan to each kindergartener. Disabled and incapacitated parents of school-age children also receive an annual financial subsidy of 500-800 yuan. The coverage rate of preschool education in Pingba District has increased, and the living conditions of children have also improved. However, the shortage of teachers, especially art teachers, and the high teacher turnover rates, hamper the development of local preschool education.

The doctoral students interview local education officials.

Through the field visits and surveys, the XMU social practice group gained a deeper understanding of the state’s targeted poverty alleviation policy, and came to realize that there is a long way to go before poverty can be eradicated. Although Pingba District has been lifted out of poverty, preschool education is still a weak link in its development. The government will provide further policy and financial support, increase poverty alleviation efforts for public and private kindergartens, and continue to implement targeted poverty alleviation programs, alleviate the shortage of teachers, and create a stronger educational environment. The CFCL doctoral students are determined to contribute their ideas and expertise to regional socio-economic development.