Earthquake Relief

The whole world was shocked by the devastation caused by the earthquake that hit Sichuan in May 2008 shocked the world, and yet it was also impressed at the speed with which China sent out soldiers and professionals to rescue survivors, and the unity in which China‘s people also worked together to aid their fellow countrymen. During this time and the months that followed, FOC was also keen to contribute towards both immediate and long-term relief work in the affected areas, a little of which is described below.

Shortly after the earthquake, FOC sent a few people to the affected areas. In the first trip, the main focus was on Anxian. The team hired a truck and bought 3 tonnes of rice, which was taken to Yonganzhen and then delivered to the central control area to be dispersed amongst the people in due course. Knowing that relief work would be a mammoth task, the team also took this time as an opportunity to assess the damage caused by the earthquake, and a representative of the team spoke to the town governor to see how FOC could best help to do relief work effectively and corporately, rather than hindering the efforts of the local people and officials.

In August, a group of volunteers were recruited to sped 20 days in Wu Fu Village. They helped the villagers to recycle the construction material from buildings that had collapsed, and also took care of children. During this time, 23 high school students were given the opportunity to go to Chengdu where activities such as visiting famous places and having English clubs were arranged for them. The people of Wu Fu Village were greatly encouraged.

The following month, FOC organised for 60 sets of desks and chairs to be delivered to Shikanxiang Primary School in southern Pingwu County, which had been affected by the earthquake. Due to a recent landslide, the Nanba-Shikan road was blocked, and the team was redirected to Nanba, where the equipment was given to Nanba Central School, which had also been affected. In October, another 60 sets of desks and chairs were taken to Shikanxian Primary School.

New desks and chairs jointly donated by Yihua

This is just a snapshot of the relief work FOC has been involved in. FOC is very aware that although the initial unsettlement and destruction caused by the earthquake has passed, it is an ongoing process to rebuild the affected areas both in terms of the places themselves and the livelihood of its people. To this end, FOC is committed to continue with the work mentioned above, in the hope that we might be able to make some contribution towards the long-term relief of Sichuan and its people.