The biggest ever investment in preschool care and education in rural China was announced today by mobile technology leader Nokia and leading international children's organization, Plan. In a landmark partnership, Nokia will donate RMB60 million (6 million euros) to enable Plan to dramatically increase its preschool and early childhood care and development programs throughout the country.

The three-year project named "Heart to Heart, Hand to Hand" will initially be piloted in six nationally designated impoverished counties across the country and then expanded to include a further eighteen counties. By the end of the project, more than 1,200 early childhood care and development centers will have been established throughout China offering care to more than 70,000 children.

"Education is a core component of our corporate social responsibility program," said Colin Giles, President of Nokia China. "Children are our future, and success lies in investing in the future. The success that Nokia enjoys today comes from the support of Chinese consumers. As a responsible corporate citizen, Nokia is pleased to contribute to the care and education of disadvantaged children in China in collaboration with Plan China. Our goal is to create a better environment for rural preschool children. The Heart to Heart, Hand to Hand program will improve the care and education system for disadvantaged children in rural China and create a more healthy and harmonious environment for them."

"This is a great day for children in rural China," said James Murray, Director of Plan China. "Currently, hundreds of thousands of rural Chinese children are missing out on opportunities because they have limited access to preschool education and care. Education has many benefits for the development of children in later life. This pioneering partnership will ensure a bright future for tens of thousands of children and stand as a shining example to others."

Statistics show that less then 35% of children in rural China receive preschool care and education, and most of them have no access to child-rearing programs. "Child-rearing programs and preschool care and education not only benefit the children but also have a positive impact on society. Nokia's initiation of the Heart to Heart, Hand to Hand program is a commitment to improve rural education by offering Beijing Normal University's insights and experience to education. We would like to call upon more companies and groups to contribute to rural preschool children education in China," said Zheng Xin Rong, Head of Education Department, Beijing Normal University.

Jorma Ollila, Chairman of Nokia Group, during his recent trip to China added, "This was the most impressive of all of my visits to China. This project will bring unprecedented opportunities to preschool children in rural China. Nokia's CR priorities have been with the environment and education for years. I believe that love can connect people and make our lives better, similar to what technology has done in past years."

The landmark announcement was made at a signing ceremony in Beijing attended by Colin Giles, President of Nokia China, Jorma Ollila, Chairman of Nokia Group, James Murray, Director of Plan China, Zheng Xin Rong, Head of Education Department, Beijing Normal University, and Lv Ming Kai, Vice Deputy Officer, Shaanxi Education Department.