A five-year Sino-British program to develop the basic educational system of Gansu Province in northwest China was initiated recently. With total funds of 11.2 million pounds (about 16 million US dollars) from the British government, the program is targeted at spurring the fundamental education system in several poor ethnic regions, including the Kangle, Dongxiang, Jishishan, and Hezheng counties, where a large proportion of Hui ethnic children, especially girls, are unable to go to school.

Under the plan, more school-aged children are expected to receive grants-in-aid to finish their primary and junior high school education over the next five years.

In addition, the two governments will set up and renovate schools and provide educational facilities for the students. Teachers will also attend training classes to enhance the local educational level.

This support for education program has been under consideration since June 1997 by the British Agency for International Development. After three formal visits and an investigation tour of Gansu, the British signed a final agreement with China this July to start the program.