About Liangshan

•2.4 mill living in the mountains at altitudes 2,000 - 3,500 meters

•GDP per head is less than 1/3 of China’s average. 80% low income, 30% below poverty line of 2300 RMB/ capita/ year

•70% women are illiterate

•Average life expectancy is 45 years

•HIV/AIDS 8% of population, highest in China for the general population

•200,000 kids aged 3-6. More than 80% get no kindergarten/preschool education.