China will build 1,000 libraries and train 3,600 headmasters for middle and elementary schools in poverty-stricken areas in central and west China over the next three years, according to an education aid program kicked off in Beijing Thursday.

Sponsored by China Mobile and Ministry of Education, the program is designed to help improve the teaching level, school facilities and update the management of middle and elementary schools in central and west China.

China Mobile, one of China's two major mobile service providers, donated 30 million yuan (US$3.75 million) to get the program off the ground. 

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2006)