John McCallum, Canadian ambassador to China, visits rural girls' homes in Gansu with EGRC founder Tien Ching.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Future leaders

John McCallum, Canadian ambassador to China, applauds EGRC's focus on individual development. "The Chinese government has built up an overall framework for educating rural children, which has been getting better over the years. But there's still room for charity groups," he says.

As one of Tien's supporters, he has visited EGRC girls' families in Gansu and hosted charity dinners at the ambassador's residence.

"We are pursuing closer ties with China in many different ways. This is a part of that," he says.

Tien is now developing a scholarship program for rural girls who have potential to be future leaders.

"I will interview the candidates to assess their personal ability and know their expectations, then give those who are qualified the chance to study abroad."

She hopes that EGRC can flourish sustainably without her, so she is endeavoring to map out everything for the group and the girls.

Speaking of her 12 years' commitment to helping rural girls with their education, Tien says: "I feel so pleased when I witness their changes through being educated, which is the strongest driving force for me."