Christianity and Miao Education in Shimenkan, Guizhou

Abstract

Shimenkan is a remote and mountainous village in Weining county, Guizhou province, an area traditionally populated by Miao ethnic minority. The arrival of Christian missionaries just over 100 years ago began Shimenkan’s transformation from an illiterate school-less place, to a “revered site of Miao education.” Today, Shimenkan has returned to being the worst performing part of Weining county in terms of educational attainment. By investigating and analyzing the impact of Christianity on Miao school education and community education, this paper will discuss how Miao students are coping with cultural aspects of education and community amidst social change, and the impact of the cultural context on their academic achievement. Where foreign culture meets local demands, little resistance to cultural education exists. In such circumstances, outside culture is likely to be accepted in the community, and may generate positive outcomes.

Keywords

Christianity / Miao minority education / Shimenkan