The RCEF Blog 博客

I see that nobody has responded yet, so let me give it a first try. There are two kinds of functions for volunteers outside China: supporting functions like fundraising, public relations, academic relations, and public education; and program-related functions such as research and curriculum development.

Supporting functions are easier to do without being in China, although the people who oversee these functions have to know the programs very well. Program-related functions are harder, but several courageous attempts have started recently, for instance in the area of teachers’ professional development. RCEF is theoretically in a good position to be a bridge between rural China and educational expertise outside China.

Communication between our field sites and volunteers outside China (or in other areas of China!) is definitely very important. Volunteers, including myself, stay much more motivated if we see how our work contributes to progress in the programs. Therefore, I am very happy that the Diaries/Newsletter is getting better and better, and that the blog is updated frequently (some more traffic would be nice).

I also hope that people can start local RCEF chapters so that they can meet each other in a social setting. However, it is not always clear what such chapters could do. Sometimes there are clear opportunities, such as organizing a big fundraiser, or representing RCEF at a conference. Public education is certainly a supporting function that still can (and should) be strengthened.