People to People Ambassador Programs recently partnered with Starr Professional Programs to sponsor the building of an elementary school in the rural province of Guizhou in the village of Changjiaocum, a rural community approximately 1000 miles southwest of Beijing.

The village’s 2000 residents live on an average household income of $64. Students went to class in teacher homes and had limited access to books and supplies. People to People and Starr collectively donated $60,000, enough build a brand new school and fund supplemental teacher salaries as well as buying school supplies.

On Sept. 2, 2007, with Chinese government officials including the governor of the province, the mayor of the city, and representatives from the educational ministry, and most importantly ALL the children and parents of the village attended the school’s grand opening. A People to People Citizens Ambassadors nursing delegation attended the event as well.

A letter from Mary Eisenhower, who was not able to attend, was read to the crowd acknowledging this tremendous event.

"Dear Children of Changjiaocun Village, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the opening of Changjiaocun Primary School. It is thrilling to