In much of rural China, the opportunities for women to become independent and self-sufficient are few and far between. As a result, a large percentage of the one hundred million people who have migrated from the countryside to urban centers in search of work are women. As the number of those seeking a better life in China’s bustling cities continues to rise, many come face to face with the harsh reality of trying to land employment without salable skills or experience.

This dearth of marketable skills can be traced back to the lack of quality education provided in rural areas; many women leave their villages without being able to read or write in Chinese, let alone English, which is often needed to obtain jobs in the cities. Without even a basic skill set to acquire employment, many are left with little recourse but to turn to often dangerous work just to survive.

In 1998, the Practical Skills Center for Rural Women was established to address the growing population of women who have migrated to Beijing, China’s capital city. The Center helps women ages 16-18 adjust to their sometimes overwhelming new home. In addition to providing room and board, the young women are provided vocational training as well as reading, writing and math skills; the Center also helps each girl pass the Beijing school exams. As a result of garnering these important skills, the women develop a stronger sense of confidence and self-reliance while building close relationships within a safe community. Once the women finish their training, the Center provides job counseling and works to place them in long-term positions in Beijing or their home province.

With vital support from The Goldman Sachs Foundation, the Center continues to reach out to a growing influx of women in need of assistance. Since July 2000, at least 120 women have participated in the Center’s three-month education and training programs while over 2,000 women have taken its courses since 1998. Thanks to funding from the Foundation, the Center can proceed with helping more women gain the skills they need to have a future filled with possibilities.