Our hopes for those affected

On May 12th, Wenchuan of Sichuan province was struck by an earthquake that measured 8.0 on the Richter scale. The plight of the children struck by the disaster, many of whom lost their loved ones, has moved us all. To provide relief to the people in need of help, SOHO China Foundation has undertaken an initiative to restore education in the area.

In regards to financial assistance, SOHO China Foundation reacted immediately to the initial news of the disaster, donating 2 million RMB to the Red Cross within the first 20 hours of the quake. As news of the severity of the situation came out, we donated another 20 million shortly thereafter.

SOHO China Foundation is committed to enhancing education to areas in need through all means possible, including monetary, physical, and spiritual support. This catastrophe has only strengthened our reserve. We feel there is an urgent need to build schools that are safe and which inspire the pupils in their learning, in addition to supplying the resources which will improve the quality of education, such as teacher training. We hope to help in the most efficient manner possible, so that the children struck by this disaster can quickly restore their confidence and spirit.

SOHO China Foundation is experienced in building schools. We have provided funds used towards the construction of many primary and middle schools in the Western parts of China in the past. They remain standing. Only one school wall toppled, but no one was harmed during the quake. We will apply this experience as we help restore education in the area. We will use our website to advocate pooling our resources together to this end. We will ceaselessly work toward improving education in areas that need it. Though the pain of this disaster may eventually subside, the meaningful life of the living must go on.

When the Titanic was sinking, life boats were first offered to the women and children. Relief must always be first offered to the children. Television coverage of the quake has shown us how many schools have collapsed. As these schools are rebuilt, safety must take precedence over all other concerns. The new schools must be sanctuaries to these kids.

When faced with catastrophe, everyone must join together. We should not concern ourselves with the quantity of our donation, but rather the heartfelt emotion with which it is given. Each should offer what he or she is capable of offering. Even someone who cannot offer his or her monetary or physical assistance can always offer encouragement. Unity will bring us bravery in meeting the hardship posed by this disaster.