Commemorate Frances Rollins

Another Rollins rural school project makes final round of environmental contest

The OCTF/Rollins Tea Farm at the Xieshan Elementary School , another rural school project that follows the "Dripping Water" model, is being voted on by internet users in China in a national contest as the Best Environmental Project in China in a contest sponsored by the Alashan Ecological Society and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The school in the county of Xieshan was started in 1998 with a gift from Mr. Rollins, a long-time supporter of the Phelex Foundation efforts. The first Rollins project, the Frances Rollins Tea Farm at the Dripping Water School in Gucheng County , caught national attention with its successful aid to village kids using proceeds from tea leaves produced and processed at the school tea farm. Reminiscent of the "Girl Scout Cookie" model in the US , the charity sales have generated $ 7,662.8 in total proceeds, which have enabled 1507 students to go to school who otherwise would not be able to. In 2005, the Nanhe CountyTownship Central School became known as the Nahe Dripping Water School as the Dripping Water  Village School was merged into it. All kids from the Dripping Water Village continues to receive scholarships that cover tuition as well as room and board.  

The Xieshan County Project has been achieving commercial targets as well as financial aid targets. To expand its operation, the Overseas Chinese Tea Foundation donated new tea processing equipment and accessories. In the upcoming tea production season, the farm will be able to produce high-quality Dripping Water Tea, and will also be able to receive--for a small fee--college students who come to the village to learn the art of tea production.

Students at these school projects will commemorate the late Frances Rollins on April 5, the Chinese Memorial Day in thankfulness to her support for their education.

E: The OCTRDF-F.Rollins Tea Farm