• WV Signs USD 15 million reconstruction MOU with Chinese Government
• 30 schools and 15 dormitories will be rebuilt in Guangyuan City
• Donations from around the world have made it possible to distribute residential and educational tents as well as school supplies
• Visit by Taiwanese celebrity Wang Leehom brough children in temporary shelter camps joy

SICHUAN, China, June 3, 2008 - This morning (Tuesday) Dr. Thomas Chan, National Director of World Vision China, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Education Bureau and the Civil Affairs Bureau in Guangyuan City, pledging USD 15 million towards the reconstruction of the quake-affected area.

World Vision committed to rebuild 30 schools and 15 dormitories, at a cost of RMB 1.5 million (USD 230,700) each in Jiange County, Chaotian District and Yuanba District, all in Guangyuan City. The aid agency will also assist some 1,500 families in the area to rebuild their homes.

The County Magistrate Zhang Shou Yu, from the People's Government of Yuanba County in Guangyuan City said he was touched by the aid agency's continued dedication and support for quake-affected people in Sichuan.

The Magistrate said survivors have felt loved and supported by people from all around the world, including Hong Kong and Taiwan through the continued distribution of residential tents, school tents and school supplies.

He also said this weekend's visit by Taiwanese celebrity Wang Leehom, brought children living in temporary shelter camps a lot of joy.

Guangyuan City had been severely affected by the quake with 14 out of 39 schools left in ruins. As a result, many children have started their summer holidays early, unable to study without their books and classrooms. Most schools say they will re-open August 01, 2008.

Three out of ten hospitals in the area are no longer operating. Continued infrastructure support is essential to the reconstruction of the area.

The County Magistrate said World Vision's donation to the area was very meaningful. "Every dollar contributed will be used to rebuild the lives of children, farming families and the poor," he promised.

Expert interviews, survivor stories and photographs from Sichuan Province are available. Please contact

Priscilla Tin
Mobile: +852-9324-9315
Email: Priscilla_Tini@wvi.org

or

Pamela Sitko
Mobile: +66 843 600345
Email: Pamela_Sitko@wvi.org.