Garrett Trimble practices his Chinese writing with the help of Chris Ma, principal of the Sunrise School, during a Chinese language class in Decatur. At a time when few long-established colleges or secondary schools in Central Illinois offer instruction in conversational Chinese, the Sunrise School not only teaches spoken Mandarin but the written version, too. The school opened in February and is based in the basement of Moundford Free Methodist Church where, under the leadership of senior pastor Gerald Coates, the congregation has made it a prime mission to reach out to Decaturís diverse Chinese community.

Associated Press

A Chinese workbook lays open during a Chinese language class in the Sunrise School located at the Moundford Free Methodist Church in Decatur. The school opened in February under the leadership of senior pastor Gerald Coates and the congregation has made it a prime mission to reach out to Decaturís diverse Chinese community which consists of everyone from restaurant workers to scientists and college professors.

Associated Press

Catherine Ming Tu, an assistant professor at Millikin University, talks about a Chinese language class offered at the Sunrise School located in the Moundford Free Methodist Church in Decatur. Tu also teaches at Sunrise. The Trimble family at left, Garrett, 12, and his parents Bill and Lisa, are just a few of the many students taking classes.

Associated Press