100 migrant workers to realize university dream
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One hundred young migrant workers from South China's Guangdong province will win the chance to study at one of the country's most prestigious universities for free this year, southcn.com reported Monday.
The 100 lucky workers will be chosen after two months of tests and training where they will be selected to spend 2.5 to 5 years studying at the Distance Education College of Peking University. Those who are qualified to pass exams can get a diploma.
The program called "Realizing Dreaming in Peking University 100", is a joint venture between Guangdong authorities and Peking University.
The news has widely spread among migrant workers and nearly 2,000 said they wanted to apply.
"My cousins are all studying in schools but only I am out working. I used to be frustrated but now I am quite encouraged," said Chen Yan, a woman from Central China's Hubei province. Chen said she quit school because of family problems and she's been hoping to return to school to learn more someday.
"I am quite interested in marketing and I am dying to learn more about that," Chen added. "My biggest wish right now is to be selected into Peking University, and I know it's going to help me realize my dreams."
Despite the hopes of young migrant workers to realize their dreams, many still have problems that need to be resolved first. "I am worried about the fees related issues. If I need afford other fees, I could barely make ends meet. Eventually, I would have to give up the opportunity," Chen Yan said.
Besides, distance education requires the use of Internet. Deng Dongping, who works in Shenzhen-based Foxconn said he was afraid he would not be able to take the net courses because he didn't have a computer and Internet access in his dorm.
Chen Hongyu, an official in charge of the program, said the local authorities have got sponsorship from some companies, and the 100 chosen workers will get one laptop and Internet access for free.
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