In the wake of the city's rapid expansion, Wuxi is attracting an increasing number of foreign residents. However, which school their kids should go to remains a puzzle for most of the parents.
Briton Daria Duncan Weber raised the question during her first visit to Wuxi in 1998, so she gradually embarked on establishing Wuxi Taihu International School in 1999. She hoped that the school would enable parents to be devoted to their work.
Wuxi Taihu International School accepts applications for admission at any time. What's more, it provides education from kindergarten to high school.
Since 2009, the school has been hosting its annual Christmas bazaar for children in the remote mountainous areas. Currently, there are 129 children from 23 countries and regions at the school. They are taught in English. The school offers German, French and Korean courses, as well as Chinese classes.The purpose of the school is to train citizens of the world that have social responsibility and universal values. The school aims to foster positive, active, happy, successful and confident students. Students with disabilities and mental illness will be accepted as long as school has corresponding abilities.
"Daria studied Chinese in the University of Edinburgh and Shandong University in the 1980s," Daria's assistant said, adding that this experience provided her with a profound understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.
Scenes of the Wuxi Taihu International School can be found in a publicity film shot by the Wuxi government to promote its investment advantages.
Daria was interviewed for a feature jointly filmed by the Wuxi government and the American satellite news television channel CNBC and broadcast in the US.
She told reporters that she hoped the school can provide international children with a good education and contribute to the sound investment environment in Wuxi.
In addition to the cause of education, Daria is full of enthusiasm about programs for public good.
She has been taking care of four elderly Chinese since 1994. She also does her best to help employees and needy families. She has offered free English language training for various government departments in Wuxi in order to strengthen cultural exchange and communication between China and the West. She also provides help in all aspects of work and life for foreigners who work in Wuxi. In recognition of her outstanding contribution, the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government awarded her the "Jiangsu Friendship Award" in 2005.
