URUMQI, June 17 -- A total of 250 million yuan (about 40 million U.S. dollars) has been earmarked to support rural school renovation in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China.

The money will be channeled to 26 middle schools in 22 counties to construct canteens, dormitories, toilets and sports facilities, according to the regional development and reform commission on Wednesday.

China launched a campaign in 2007 to improve the running of rural schools in central and western regions.