Education support

Mercedes-Benz is also cooperating with CYDF in post-earthquake reconstruction of the Shiyang No 1 Primary School in Tianquan County with a donation of 9 million yuan from the Star Fund.

With 51 faculty and staff providing schooling to 817 students in 23 classes after planned completion in 2015, the new school will have a comprehensive teaching center, and students will also enjoy a new dormitory, canteen, and playground.

In addition to Xinghui and Xingrui (above), Mercedes-Benz will sponsor another pair of pandas (below).

Moreover, Mercedes-Benz will equip the new school with advanced educational tools, including computers, music instrument, sports equipment and multimedia devices.

This follows Mercedes-Benz's support for education with the Happy Music Classroom Program.

The program has already built music classrooms for 400 Hope Schools in 29 provinces and autonomous regions, offering music education opportunities for more than 100,000 underprivileged children.

At the same time, the program has also built eight Star Bases for music education in cooperation with universities such as Harbin Normal University, and also supplied education resources, teacher training and volunteer support to the Hope Schools.

Commitment to China

The efforts in Ya'an again demonstrate Mercedes-Benz's long-term commitment to China, and its leadership in regard to corporate social responsibility.

In addition to disaster relief, the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund is active in other areas, providing comprehensive support for the Chinese society.

It focuses on five core CSR pillars: environmental protection, culture of driving, educational support, the development of music, arts and sports, as well as social care programs.

(China Daily 12/16/2013 page19)