Equal education for all

The proverb about a carp jumping over a waterfall at a dragon's gate is an old and enduring Chinese cultural symbol for courage, perseverance and accomplishment. It was originally used as a metaphor for success in passing very difficult imperial examinations required for entry into the imperial administration.

But for many children in rural China today, the waterfall is too high to leap over.

After 30 schools for the children of migrant workers were shut over the past three months in Beijing, most of the 14,000 students have been put in schools for Beijing pupils, some returned to their hometowns and still others are waiting for new schools.