January 18, 2011
Sports a Proven Link to Employability in China 0
In the heart of Guangzhou, China’s third largest city, sits a small college for young people with disabilities: the Guangzhou English Training Center for the Handicapped (GETCH). People with disabilities make up over 6% of China’s population and less than 2% of this disabled population has received university-level education . GETCH has been providing tuition-free higher education for students with disabilities since the school opened in 1994. Today GETCH has approximately 310 alumni; 96% of these students have graduated and continued on to successful jobs.
Well Zhao, GETCH Alumnus and Vice President, visits the U.S. Capitol Building during his International Visitor Leadership Program
In a recent radio interview, Well Zhao, 2003 GETCH graduate and current Vice President, acknowledged that the situation for the disability community in China is getting better; however, major obstacles still exist, especially in public transportation and competition within the job market. Zhao focused on the importance of building leadership and increasing employment opportunities. Listen to the 5 minute interview.
At GETCH, sports are an integral part of students’ daily life, as sports offer benefits that are critical for succeeding in the workplace and adult life. These include development of leadership skills, responsibility, self-reliance, problem solving and ability to set goals, as well as increased, confidence and independence, and improved health.
In collaboration with MIUSA, GETCH is preparing for a reciprocal exchange program designed to increase the capacity of professionals to include youth with disabilities in recreation, sport and physical education programs, expanding opportunities to participate fully in society alongside their non-disabled peers. The first phase of this program will bring a delegation of ten people from China to the U.S., April 23 – May 5, 2011. We are excited to welcome our Chinese delegates to the U.S.!
Read a story written by Well Zhao about his International Visitor’s Leadership Program in the U.S.: http://www.miusa.org/ncde/stories/zhao2/
