“I was surprised by the quality of education in that place,” says Sheng. “Students don't have good infrastructure, good teachers, or resources. Many students go to work after middle school because their family can't afford tuition. Only 1 percent of students can go to college.”
According to Chinese government reports, nearly 40 million students are unable to receive a quality education. It creates a “vicious circle,” explains Sheng. ”If students don't go to college, they don't have essential skills to support economic development in their community.”
Sheng came to UWaterloo as a 2+2 student — after two years at Nanjing, he is completing his degree here in Environment and Business.
Thinking he might be able to build a volunteer base of UWaterloo students to tutor in rural China, he moved into St. Paul's GreenHouse to learn how he might develop his ideas.
"GreenHouse mentors have been really supportive and have given me useful advice,” says Sheng. “I am finding new ways of tackling this problem and achieving my goals.”
As an English-language learner, it has been helpful for Sheng that the GreenHouse community is supportive. Brendan Wylie-Toal, GreenHouse Program Manager and Startup Coach, says, “Sheng is smart and passionate. He’s concerned about cold-calling due to possible language barriers, but we’re committed to being inclusive and providing support for innovators who might not have access to programs because of barriers such as language.”
And barriers are exactly what Sheng is hoping to break down in his effort to make sure all children have a solid education.
- by Susan Fish