China is the land of opportunity.
This is the impression given by Ray LeMoigne.
LeMoigne was the superintendent of schools for School District 91, but is on leave from the position to focus on building relationships for the school district with China.
LeMoigne travelled to China in April with Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad and some others in order to show them just what kind of opportunities are available there for the region.
“It has such a potential positive impact for communities across our region,” said LeMoigne.
One potential opportunity has already opened up for students interested in studying east-Asian culture and languages.
The Chinese consul general office has provided the local school district with a student scholarship which would provide full tuition and accommodation for a five year university program, including one year of language study and four years of university.
LeMoigne is also working on organizing a summer camp in August for some students from China to come to this area and spend a few weeks immersed in both the culture and the language and to experience the beauty of the region.
But the benefits of what China has to offer is something which will hopefully develop further.
“I think it’s a long-term kind of thing that’s going to evolve,” said LeMoigne.
He is currently working on a video being produced to explain some of both the educational opportunities as well as the wood industry opportunities in China for our region.
He will then be travelling to communities to present the video and give a “sense of what it is (the school district) is trying to achieve.”
He first travelled to China as part of a 2010 Canadian superintendent’s mission to the country and after returning, began promoting the concept of the local school district engaging in agreements with China to develop education and business partnerships.