RCEF takes an integrative approach to rural education. We work intensively in a small number of sites to experiment in-depth with innovative models of rural education. We focus on developing teaching methods that make rural education more relevant to rural students' lives, more well-rounded, and more enjoyable. We also want to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to actively improve their own communities.

In our programs we help rural teachers to develop their teaching methods, create community-based curriculum, connect teachers with each other to exchange teaching strategies, and set up libraries and reading programs. We occasionally provide hardware support, but only as a precondition for improvements in quality of education. We work with local teachers as much as possible, to promote sustainability. The integrative approach also involves establishing stronger links between schools and village communities. Read more about our programs below.

Integrative Rural Education Program We provide comprehensive support to partner rural schools from management to teaching. We take a hands-on approach, sending staff to work year-round in public schools side by side with local teachers.

Rural Education Innovation Grants RCEF runs a grants competition to provide resources to organizations and individuals with strong, innovative ideas on how to improve the quality of education in rural China.

Libraries and Reading Program RCEF sponsors books for school and community libraries and develops methods that promote the use of books.

Past programs Summer Volunteer Program (2005-8) This 3-week summer program brought together carefully selected volunteers to put on rural summer camps. The program will be replaced in summer 2009 by a rural teacher training .

Native Soil Education Project (2006) Together with local NGOs, we developed a multidisciplinary curriculum that closely connects with the local community, allows students to learn actively through inquiry and empowers students to create positive change in their communities.

Weekend Education Project (2005-7) RCEF has worked with the community school in Yinjialin village, Shandong Province to provide a safe and enriching space for children when they are not in school and for children who have dropped out of school.