Axions

Promotes educational, social, and economic development in impoverished areas of China by encouraging self-help initiatives. Basic education was initially the main focus of the organisation, and continues to account for around three quarters of its expenditure. In 2002 Zigen provided nearly 3,000 scholarships to primary and middle school students, as well as making small grants to improve school facilities, purchase library books and teaching aids, and train teachers. Zigen also gave 61 scholarships to high school students and sponsored adult literacy classes and adult classes in agriculture. Zigen has also supported rural health worker and midwives training programmes. It is now developing a ‘Green Programme’ in which pilot model villages are selected for integrated development projects.  The Zigen Fund pays particular attention to project monitoring. As well as regular monitoring by local staff, overseas members and supporters pay their own way to travel to China and inspect project sites.