From Children in Beijing t o Children in Sichuan

A relief programme on behalf of the children in the quake hit areas of Sichuan Province has been started by eight primary schools in Beijing, co-sponsored by Beijing This Month and other mainstream media of the city.

Students in Beijing are encouraged to write a letter to the children of Sichuan or to make a drawing expressing their feelings about the disaster and the rescue/relief operation. Capital Land, a leading real estate company in China, will donate 20 yuan in the name of each student who participates in the programme.

It is expected to accomplish several educational objectives through this charity event: the students will “earn” the 20 yuan that is donated in their names; it will cause them to probe deeper into the causes and results of natural disasters; provide educators with diverse opportunities for communication about life in China and society’s response to great challenges; and it will teach the children to empathize with children outside their social circle and give them an opportunity to express their concerns and feelings.