Report_2005

（一） 協助建校
2003年及2004年這兩年來，燃燈助學一共協助興建了301所學校，包括四川省27所，廣西省13所，陝西省39所，貴州省222所學校；另外在貴州省遵義區習水縣土城鎮，燃燈助學亦協助同心村全村的飲水工程，以及其他地方的學校水電工程建設。
中國大陸政府近年來推動村村通公路，併村併校，偏遠地區的學校型態有了很大的變化。學校的規模由於併村併校的發展，小型的村級小學已逐漸受淘汰。學校規模加大，校舍增加，使得燃燈原本以協助建蓋村小的建校工作必須重新做調整。在這兩年來，中國政府撥款補助大西北地區學校校舍重建或加建，並且嚴格執行拆撤D級危房教室，嚴懲使用危險教室上課，至2005年止，基本上，鄉級小學或村級大型完小皆已驗收完成，所以，對於重建村級小學的工作，目前燃燈以協助偏遠地區小型村級小學或教學點為主；在中國，城、鄉之間，不論是衣、行、住、行各方的差距是相當大的。
燃燈目前資助的學校皆位於交通不便之地，縱使有土毛路可以開車到校，但是距離鄉鎮仍有一段相當的距離，若遇上雨季山塌路斷，建校工程進度往往受到極大的影響。部份學校仍還需要走路、坐渡船，甚至爬山方能到校。建校的工作，因中國經濟及交通急速的成長而受益，我們相信再過三、五年協助建校工作即可告一段落。屆時，協助建校工作將逐漸不合當地所需，因此燃燈將調整工作方向，未來可能將以助學為主。至於目前的建校工作，我們依然本著初衷，對於校點的審核及工程品質更為謹慎，期以不負捐款人的重托。
結束四川

燃燈的第一個工作地區，是在四川的昇鍾水庫區，助學部分並逐步推廣至其附近的南部縣。經過12年的參與，當地的村小建設已告全部完成，對當地學生的助學也告一段落，由於對附近其他地區的聯繫工作一直無法順利進行，因此決定正式結束四川的工作。自2005年秋季起，燃燈不再對該地區提供建校、助學之協助。

擴大廣西服務

燃燈助學計劃於2003年秋季開始在廣西省展開建校工作，建校地區以都安縣環江縣為主。廣西省是壯族自治省，與貴州省隣界地方大都極為貧困，我們期望在2006年能擴大燃燈在廣西省的建校與助學的工作。

開始進入陝西

在陝西省婦聯的主動聯繫及支持下，自2004年春開始，燃燈正式踏入陝西省，自考察舊校及協助建校做起，並計畫自2005年秋季起，展開助學工作，對象暫限為高中生。

其他地區

燃燈原本計畫將湖南加入服務地區，但在2004年春季實地至湘西土家族苗族自治州考察後，認為條件未合理想，決定取消此項計畫。

（二）助 學
中國大陸教育政策已將義務教育提高至小學六年至初中三年），同時於2005年開始推展中、小學「兩免一補政策」；所謂的「兩免」即免雜費、免課本費，「一補」即補助寄宿學生。這政策對於貧困生有很大的幫助。針對中國政府對教育事業的改進，我們依然貫徹燃燈助學計劃的宗旨，做政府所不能觸及之處，所以在助學對象方面將做調整，以協助高中生及大學生為主。
2003年燃燈助學計劃共協助了1,070人次，2004年共協助1,124人次，燃燈助學計劃對於助學工作上將會逐年增加。在2005年秋季我們開始受理陝西省寧強縣、略陽縣的高中及職業中學的學生申請。
目前燃燈助學計劃在中國大陸助學的學生以貴州省的高中學生及大學生為主，其中包括：貴州工業大學（2005年始合併至貴州大學）、貴州師範大學，遵義醫學院、遵義師範學院、三都師範學校、三都民族中學、平塘民族中學、荔波師範學校、羅甸民族中學、貴定第一中學、貴定第二中學、新蒲中學、遵義一中、遵義中醫學校、遵義市十一中學、遵義中醫學校、振華民族中學、凱里師範學校、榕江第一中學等。

（三）考察及義工
這兩年，加入實地考察團的義工愈來愈多，且義工所來自的地區愈來愈廣，遠自美國各地、台灣、中國，甚至歐洲，如2004年就有考察義工遠自倫敦而去。
除了義工，也有愈來愈多的捐款人，加入實際考察行列，他們不僅考察自己捐助的學校，而是隨同全團全程活動，十分令人感佩。
更多的義工，在參加大陸考察後，都表示願意進一步參與實務性的工作。多位住在加州及外地的義工，甚至親自飛到紐約的燃燈辦公室，利用自己的假期在辦公室內幫忙；有的義工甚至已因此接手部分燃燈工作，如有的義工在當地設立聯絡處，北加州義工目前已正式接手網路設計的工作，德州休士頓義工接手認助學生的資料整理，紐約辦公室仍然是負責統籌及與中國大陸相關單位的聯繫。
未來，燃燈計畫將加強對考察義工的訓練，希望往後每位前往實地考察的義工都能獨當一面，完整完成考察工作。

考察時間及報名

燃燈助學計劃訂於每年的3月下旬及10月中旬，前往中國實地驗收學校及發放助學金，如果您有興趣參與，請在1月底或8月底前來電或E-Mail報名。報名電話：718-888-2367 分機106 ，電子信箱：eep11355@yahoo.com

（四）德州與加州分會
德州已在2004年正式成立燃燈德州分會，由義工楊位剛先生負責。目前德州義工已接手認助學生資料的整理工作。
加州原本已有分會及青年團，這兩年都有義工主動在當地舉辦說明會，介紹更多的朋友加入燃燈的行列。
北加州分會已正式接手燃燈助學計劃的網頁設計，並成立義工網上聯絡網，除了增進彼此的聯繫外，並計畫推出部落格等新時代網路工具，詳情請查看燃燈網頁。
南加州分會工作於2005年開始由義工董觀璧女士負責。
燃燈總聯絡處仍為紐約辦公室，負責統籌及與中國大陸相關單位的聯繫。

（五）調整費用
調整捐建學校費用

由於學校規模加大，建築材料及人工費用大幅增高，再加上人民幣調漲，燃燈在2006年1月1日起調整捐建學校的款額，自美金4,000元及6,500元調整為美金6,800元/所（含行政費用4.5%）。
調整助學費用

高中生及大學生一對一的對口救助學雜費，將於2006年1月起，由原來的美金140元及270元調整為美金150元及280元（其中包括10元/人/年的行政費用）
高中生：美金150元/人/年
大學生：美金280元/人/年

（六）取消校名命名
近年來，建校的建築材料費用及人工薪資高漲，加上人民幣調漲，使得協助建校工作的成本大幅增高，再加上學校規模也擴大，使得燃燈的捐助款與當地建校配備款相對比例一直降低，為了表示對當地的對稱，自2006年1月1日起，燃燈對未來所捐助學校，不再要求為新校命名，但是，我們依舊在校內立碑感謝捐款人的捐助。這項改變是經過董事會開會討論表決後決定的，同時在比向所有捐款人發出通知。

（七）酌收行政費用
燃燈助學計劃自1992年成立至今，各項的行政費用開銷，乃至到中國考察的費用，一直都是由董事認捐或義工自行或負擔。由於近幾年來，工作量逐年高增，所有的辦公費用開銷也大幅度的增加，為了讓燃燈助學計劃能保有固有的專業服務品質，董事會開會討論表決決定，自2006年1月1日起，在建校工作上，每所捐助建校酌收4.5%的行政費用，助學部份，每認助一名學生每年酌收美金10元。所有行政費用收入將用在辦公費用、印刷、郵資 …等等。到中國實地考察的費用，仍由義工自行負擔，不由行政費用收入中支出。

2004-2005 Bi-Annual Report
(2003/9/1 ~ 2005/8/31)

For various reasons, we have had to combine the 2004 and 2005 EEP annual reports. Therefore, we would like to express our sincerest apologies to our readers and all who have been inconvenienced. The last 2 years have truly been the busiest, most expansive and transitional we have had since EEP began in 1992.
The staff of EEP has also changed much in these past 2 years. Not only have there been more volunteers for inspection trips, the number of people doing correspondence work has increased as well. While it is not surprising that experiences on inspection trips have brought volunteers closer together, it is amazing how everyone involved in EEP has bonded as well. Despite geographical differences among volunteers, our common goal has united us into one gigantic family.
To parallel recent changes in the Chinese government, we, too, have decided to make a few changes concerning the recipients of scholarships, the administration, and the areas we aid. Regardless of these adjustments, EEP’s perpetual spirit to help the poor remains unchanged.
The following are some of the changes and progress we have made:
(1) School Construction
In 2003 and 2004, EEP constructed 301 schools, including 27 in Sichuan, 13 in Guangxi, 39 in Shanxi, and 222 in Guizhou. In a Guizhou province, EEP is also helping supply the drinking water and utilities (electricity, etc) of other schools.
In an effort to improve infrastructure, the new government policy in Mainland China is for every village to be near to a highway. In addition, villages will be merged, as well as schools. As a result, schools in rural areas have been deeply affected. The eradication of several smaller schools has caused us to make subsequent adjustments. The government has given financial support to northwestern schools for reconstruction during these 2 years. They have also raised legal standards of school facilities, as conditions had been dangerously poor. At the end of 2005, the village schools as well as the larger schools went through EEP inspection, and school construction will now focus on the relatively smaller schools. In China, the living standards of a city and a village are tremendously different. EEP has always used donations on areas of little development and transportation. These are places where traveling to the nearest city is extremely difficult even with a car, where rain would cause mudslides that prevent any movement on the road at all, and where a commute to school resembles an intense outdoor survival course. Nevertheless, the economic development in China and improvement in transportation systems have been beneficial for us. We foresee that we will reach our goal of building new schools in 3-5 years. We will then focus primarily on giving scholarships. As of now, we remain loyal to our original idea of carefully reviewing locations where schools can be built.
Operation Sichuan Completed
The Shen Zhong Reservoir of Sichuan located EEP’s very first operation. After 12 years of effort, the construction of local elementary schools is finally complete. Sponsorship to local students has also ended. As a result of poor communication with a non-responsive local government, we decided to terminate our involvement. In the fall of 2005, EEP ended sponsorship in Sichuan and ceased to accept new sponsorship applications.
Expanding Operation Guangxi
In the fall of 2003, EEP began investigating two local counties in Guangxi. We found that many aboriginals live in Guangxi, especially at the border between Guangxi and Guizhou, and they are incredibly poor. We expect to expand our operation to Guangxi in 2006.
Beginning Operation Shanxi
In the fall of 2004, EEP officially began construction in Shanxi. This was the first operation that was initiated by the village’s own people. Its Woman’s League asked EEP for help before we even began exploring that area. We’ve already built the schools and began student sponsorship in the fall of 2005.
Others
EEP’s original plan was to begin an operation in Hunan, but after a careful spring 2004 inspection, we decided it wasn’t appropriate.
(2) Student Sponsorship
China has recently raised minimum education standards from the elementary school level to that of middle school. In addition, two more changes were made at the start of 2005: the wavering of book fees and various dues, and additional supplements for students who dorm. This is a great improvement for impoverished students. The mission of EEP has always been to help students who are unfortunately overlooked by the government. In light of the new education policies, EEP now aims to assist high school and college students, who have not been affected by the changes.
EEP made a difference in the lives of 1070 people in 2003, and 1124 in 2004. EEP plans increase the number each year. In the fall of 2005, we began seeking interest for schools in 2 counties in Shanxi.
Currently, EEP is centered on high school and college students in 20 schools in Guizhou.
(3) Volunteer and Inspection
The number of volunteers has not only been increasing in size for the past 2 years, but the breadth of volunteering is greater than ever. EEP is now established across the country and around the world – in Taiwan, China, and even Europe. In 2004, two people from London joined our mission. There has also been more donors participation on inspection trips. Many donors commendably decided to continue with the rest of trip to other schools even after they had already seen the uses of their particular donation.
After attending an inspection trip, many had been even more willing to help. Using their own expenses, some who live in California flew to New York to help the central office. Some offered to do various work and simply took over. Some even volunteered to set up a local corresponding office in their own town. Our website and other Internet matters are currently run by the supportive volunteers in California; student files are handled by helpful volunteers in Houston; and those in New York are still responsible for planning and keeping in contact with China.
EEP seeks to focus on training volunteers for inspection, and hopefully everyone will eventually be able to inspect on their own in the future, adding to efficiency
Inspection Dates and Registration
During March and October of each year, EEP heads to China to inspect all the schools that have been built and distributes scholarships to sponsored students. All are welcomed to come. If you are interested, please contact us at the end of January or end of August.
Call 718-888-2367 ext. 106 or e-mail eep11355@yahoo.com

(4) The Texas and California Branches
In 2004, Texas officially became a part of EEP when a volunteer, Mr. William Yang, took charge of the newest branch. The Texas branch is currently responsible for student paperwork.
In California, we’ve already had two branches and a youth group for the past 2 years. Their job has been to promote the organization and invite more members. Volunteers in Northern California created the official website for EEP, which includes regularly updated blogs. It has become a means communication for all volunteers. Starting from 2005 the Southern California branch is directed by Ms. PolinaTung.
Nonetheless, the main office in New York and is still the main way of contacting EEP.
(5) Adjustment of Construction Fees
Due to an increase in the size of the schools, a rise in expenses for building the schools, and inflation, we must adjust the cost of construction as well. Beginning January 2006, there will no longer be 2 types of construction fees for building a school ($4000 and $6000 for small and large schools respectively). Instead, the schools will all be the same size at the new cost of $6800, which includes the 4.5% for administration.
Adjustment of Scholarship Fees
Beginning January 2006, the cost of sponsoring a high school student will change from the previous $240 to $250. Sponsoring a college student will be $280, as opposed to the previous $270. s stated earlier, the additional $10 will be used for administration purposes.
(6) Cessation of Schools Named After Donors
On top of inflation, expenses for materials and labor have been getting increasingly expensive. Accordingly, the cost of building a school is also on the rise. Moreover, the scale of the schools is becoming larger. As a result, the ratio of donor money to money provided by the government is decreasing.
To reasonably adjust with these changes, schools will no longer be named after donors beginning January 1st, 2006. However, there will be special commemorative plaques within the schools in honor of the donors. The committee after much thought and discussion made this decision.
(7) Administration Costs
Since 1992, EEP volunteers have paid for all administration expenses, including travel fees for inspections. However, both the workload and overall expenses have overwhelmingly increased in the past few years. It is becoming difficult to maintain the same professional quality while continuing to expand by relying solely on volunteers’ own expenditures. Consequently, as of January 1st, 2006, the committee has decided to consume 4.5% of the construction costs for each new school for administration purposes.
Furthermore, $10 from every student’s sponsorship and 10% from any business sponsors will be used for administration. These additional fees will be used mainly for office materials, publishing, postage, etc. Volunteers, however, will still pay for inspection trips.

帶著快樂的笑容，歡迎遠方來的客人。期許他們的明天仍然如此燦爛！

2004年財務報表
(2003年 9月1日至 2004年 8月31日)

燃燈助學計劃本年度總計收入共計 $977,455.80， 項目如下:

行政考察費用捐款 $55,040.00
指定項目捐款共 $4,300.00
包括： 香惹小學課桌椅捐款 $500.00
同心村飲水工程捐款 $3,800.00
建校捐款 $715,261.00
助學捐款 $202,854.80

燃燈助學計劃本年度總計支出共計 $526,289.54， 項目如下:

行政考察費用 $46,888.51
銀行費用 $545.61
建校款 $399,380.72
助學款 $73,890.96
指定項目 $4,300.00
一般行政支出(郵費、印刷費用) $1,283.74


扣除秋季以後支付的本年度應付未付
建校款 $315,880.30
助學款 $128,963.50

本年度的結餘 $6,322.46

另由中國當地直接投入建校的捐款人民幣 ¥121,800。
中國當地直接建校的捐款 台幣 NT 100,000。

2005年財務報表
(2004年 9月1日至 2005年 8月31日)

燃燈助學計劃本年度總計收入共計$627,692.00， 項目如下:

行政考察費用捐款 $56,302.50
指定項目(水力建設、醫療急救等) $4,000.00
建校捐款 $444,990.20
助學捐款 $122,399.30

燃燈助學計劃本年度總計支出共計$188,797.80， 項目如下:

行政考察費用 $16,278.50
銀行費用 $519.32
建校款 $154,341.00
助學款 $13,659.00
指定項目 $4,000.00

扣除秋季以後支付的本年度應付未付
建校款 $290,649.20
助學款 $108,740.30
行政費用 $35,533.20

本年度結餘 $3,971.48

另由中國當地直接投入建校的捐款為人民幣 ¥138,750

2004 Annual Financial Balance Sheet
(From 2003, September 1st to 2004, August 31st)
Total Annual Income is US $977,455.80Supplementary Information itemized as followed:
Administrative Inspection $55,040.00
Designate projects $4,300.00
Included： Class furniture for香惹elementary school $500.00
potable water construction project for同心 village $3,800.00
School construction $715,261.00
Student Financial Aid $202,854.80
Total Annual Expense is $526,289.54， Supplementary Information itemized in below:
Administrative Inspection $46,888.51
Bank Fee $545.61
School Construction $399,380.72
Student Financial Aid $73,890.96
Designative Project $4,300.00
Misc. Administrative Expense (Postage、printing expense) $1,283.74
Account Payable after August 31st
School Construction $315,880.30
Student Financial Aid $128,963.50
Net Balance $6,322.46
Donation in China for school construction: RMB ¥121,800。Donation in China for school construction: New Taiwan Dollar NT 100,000。
2005 Annual Financial Balance Sheet
(From September 1st, 2004 to August 31st, 2005)
Total Annual Income is US $ 627,692.00，Supplementary Information itemized as followed:
Administrative Inspection $56,302.50
Designate projects (Hydraulic Construction, emergency medical expense) $4,000.00
School Construction $444,990.20
Student Financial Aid $122,399.30
Total annual expense is $188,797.80, Supplementary Information itemized in below:
Administrative Inspection $16,278.50
Bank Fee $519.32
School Construction $154,341.00
Student Financial Aid $13,659.00
$4,000.00
Account Payable after August 31st
School Construction $290,649.20
Student Financial Aid $108,740.30
Administration Expense $35,533.20

Year End Net Balance $3,971.48
Donation in China is RMB ¥138,750