Alcatel-Lucent is reaching out to support the children whose schools were destroyed in the May 12 earthquake in China’s Sichuan province that killed nearly 70,000 people and destroyed hundreds of communities. Working with the China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF) and the International Youth Foundation, the Alcatel-Lucent Foundation is equipping 14 temporary Hope schools with video and book libraries, along with sports equipment through a US$155,800 grant.  This grant will help ensure that students between the ages of 6 and 12 who have been affected by the earthquake will be able to continue their schooling.  Being able to play sports, read books, or even watch movies will help the children deal with the traumatic events they have experienced.   

 

“Schools, even temporary ones, are places of refuge for young people as they provide a secure and nurturing environment where they can share their experiences and regain a sense of normalcy,” said Beatrice Tassot, Executive Director of the Alcatel-Lucent Foundation.  “The Alcatel-Lucent Foundation wanted to help these children continue their education in spite of the devastation in their communities.  Working with CYDF and IYF on this project has enabled us make a direct contribution to helping these children and their communities recover and rebuild.”