March 2000

31st March 2000

Social and Community Forestry Projects - Summary of Spring Planting

In the 6 villages of Sugu Hamlet 6, Chenhe, Na'er, and Nimei township (3 villages), the following saplings have been provided by DORS to the villagers, free of charge, as part of their community forestry projects.

Walnut 7,360 Chestnut 8,320 Alder 61,000 Duzhong 1,280 Conifer 37,000

Total no. saplings planted: 113,680
The total cost of these saplings was 89,548 RMB or 6,880 GBP

Banyang Village Hamlet 5 Primary School

With a grant provided by the British Embassy Small Grants Scheme, DORS was able to assist Banyang Hamlet 5 to rebuild their mud brick primary school. The simple school building now has two whitewashed classrooms and a teachers office, with well fitting wooden framed windows and doors.

Plans were drawn up by the villagers and approved by the Township Government. Villagers used their horses to transport the construction materials. This involved a seven hour round trip that climbs 1000m up a steep mountain path from the road below. The local people provided labour for the project. Mr Li Tian Jun, the school teacher who managed the project, said the school building is now 'a thousand times better'.

Without this rebuilding the school would probably have had to close down, which would have left these 16 children unable to attend school, as the nearest school is a three hour walk away.
The total cost of the school rebuilding in materials was 10,380 RMB or 800 GBP.

Methodist Relief and Development Fund -Projects Completed

Last April, a block grant of 10,000 GBP was received from MRDF for use on DORS' community development projects and running costs. The projects supported were:

• Moduo Village Drinking Water Supply - bringing piped water to 855 people at a cost of 3,470 GBP, or 4 GBP per person. This project was completed last month.
• School fees support for 157 children over two semesters. 4,519 GBP.
• Volunteer allowance - two return airfares to the UK and living allowance for two full-time volunteers for 6 months at a cost of 2,011 GBP.