Society

Second school opens in quake hit Sichuan

By Liu Yong and Rebecca Gu (China Daily Sichuan Bureau)
Updated: 2010-09-09 16:54

Honeywell announced on Wednesday the opening of the Honeywell Baohe Primary School, the second primary school rebuilt in partnership with the non-profit humanitarian organization, Operation USA in Sichuan Province following the 2008 earthquake.

"Honeywell Baohe Primary School represents our continuing commitment to make a difference to the Sichuan quake-stricken community," said Shane Tedjarati, President and Chief Executive Officer of Honeywell China and India.

"The new campus will benefit over 120 children from four nearby villages and give them access to the most modern amenities and learning tools. The school was made possible by the generous contribution of our employees, as well as support from the local government."

"Our children are all very excited to start their new semester at this bigger, safer, better equipped and more engaging Honeywell Baohe Primary School. The efforts of Honeywell and their partners have made a huge difference," said Honeywell Baohe Primary School's headmaster Cao Xiancai.

To create a safe and secure school for the children, a closed circuit TV system, alarm, access control systems and smoke detectors were installed. Safe Kids China will provide safety lessons to the children at the beginning of the new semester.

This school is also more energy-efficient and environmentally friendlier. The same roofing materials selected by the Bird's Nest -- China National Stadium – were used, offering better insulation to help keep the school cool during summers and warm during winter, as well as energy-saving lighting, switches and solar water heaters. Collectively, these environmentally-friendly technologies will contribute to reducing the school's electrical consumption by 9,000 kwh per year, or 5,400 yuan.

Honeywell and its employees donated $1.3 million for reconstruction of the damaged schools and health care facilities after the May 12, 2008 earthquake. Additionally, technology and equipment amounting to more than 240,000 yuan were also donated by various business divisions of the company.

In May 2009, Honeywell completed rebuilding the first school -- Honeywell United Primary school in Xiushui, Anxian County, Sichuan. Five village clinics were also built last year in Liangping County, Chongqing.

Honeywell International is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials.