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about 34 % of enrolments. Girls drop out is higher than that of boys especially at
secondary level. The reasons for drop out given by teachers in Bi’er were for boys
“help to do family work” and “to be migrant workers”. The main reasons for girls
were “help to do family work” and “being tired of studying”. Other reasons e.g.
“the long distance to travel” did not become the main reasons for boys and girls
not going to school. It seems that the tough external environment was less impor-
tant than family factors to do with household labour demands.
7.5 HIV/AIDS Orphans and Education
China is evolving its policy and support systems for children whose parents have
HIV/AIDS. The children affected are those where one or both parents have died,
and those whose parents are suffering from the disease. The Policy Research
Report of Aids Orphan Salvation and Settlement by China’s Ministry of Civil
Affairs and UNICEF defines orphans and quasi orphans in this way (Ministry of
Civil Affairs 2006 ). These orphans experience many disadvantages and suffer from
the lack of economic support and family nurturing. They may experience discrimi-
nation and mental stresses arising from their status in society.
Data on the numbers of children affected by HIV/AIDS are uncertain. In
December 2005 it was estimated that there were 780 thousand Aids Orphan under
15 years old in China.
Zhaojue has been affected by the HIV/AIDS as a result of the consequences of
drug trafficking and substance abuse. When the effects became visible the local
authority took measures to address the problem but this was too late to prevent
the mortalities amongst parents and the development of a vulnerable group of
orphans. One response has been that Bi’er town central primary school in Zhaojue
has established an Orphan Class with financial support from the Fuhui Fund. This
places HIV/AIDS orphans in a special class of 44 students who were selected from
200 applicants. Those admitted to the class benefit from free room and board, and
Fuhui Fund support for clothing and stationery. Sikai town has a similar class serv-
ing 41 students that started since September 2006, for which Liangshan Centre
for Women and Children, China Federation of Industry and Chinese Red Cross
Foundation are the donors. Orphans who are not successful in being admitted to
these special classes depend on support from grandparents and other charitable
resources but it seems there is no comprehensive safety net the covers all orphans.
7.5.1 Risks and Support Systems
Problems identified for orphan children include increased risk of drop out after
parent(s) pass away and the increased vulnerability of children who have to study
and start to make a living by themselves. Without support, orphans are unable to
7.4 Educational Participation and Gender Equity