It is well known that coaching by their parents gives middle-class kids a head start at school. Now a new school for parents, aimed at migrant workers, aims to give them skills to support their children's education and level the playing field.

The New Citizens Parent School opened its doors on Mother's Day (May 10) 2010 at the First New Citizens School, in east Beijing.

One of the school's new students, Mrs. Zhao, a sales person in a supermarket, took the day off to attend the opening ceremony. She said it was the best possible Mother's Day gift for her.

Mrs. Zhao and her husband came to Beijing to find work, leaving their young daughter, Wang Yan, in Anhui Province to be brought up by her grandmother.

But two years ago, Mrs. Zhao decided her daughter was being spoiled by her grandmother and brought her to Beijing. Wang Yan is now in primary school but because her parents frequently change jobs, she has also had to change schools three times.

"We are worried about her education," Zhao said. "We try our best to meet her material needs but it's difficult for us to help her with her studies or even talk about school with her, because my husband left school at 15 and I only had three-years of primary school."

Fang Yuan, the headmaster of First New Citizens School who initiated this program, said parents who are struggling to earn a living have neither the time nor energy to focus on their children's education. And since many parents have little education themselves they find it difficult to help their children with their studies.

The New Citizens Parent School will give parents free classes every month in basic literacy, writing, oral comprehension, basic mathematics and network technology as well as providing employment information. The school will also organize family outings every month to improve emotional communication between parents and children.

Fang said he hopes that the new skills learned by parents will improve their children's chances of success at school.

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