In China
Ziyang Prefecture
The whole classroom turned silent as she stood up to speak.
Huang Li, a sixth-grader at Huayandong Primary School, recounted how homes and buildings in Anyue County were severely destroyed when a massive earthquake struck Sichuan province on May 12 last year.
She was speaking to a group of visitors from Singapore, who had helped in several post-quake reconstruction projects in Ziyang Prefecture, one of which is Huang Li's school.
Thanking the donors and aid workers, the 12-year-old said: "Our houses were very old and shabby. It was freezing in winter. And in summer, we had to endure the sweltering heat."
"It was you who brought us warmth and joy," she said, with tears welling in her eyes.
Some 70 students at this school risked losing their chance to receive an education when the original building was so badly hit by the quake that it had to be demolished.
But Singapore-based non-governmental organisation Mercy Relief came to their rescue by building a new school with money collected from the public.
Costing S$125,000, the quake-proof building which has bright and airy classrooms and a canteen, was completed last month.
When asked about her ambition, Huang Li said: "I want to be an architect so that I can build comfortable homes for children in need. I stayed in a tent after the quake, so I know how it feels."
Among her audience was Mercy Relief's Goodwill Ambassador, singer Stefanie Sun, who helped appeal for funds after her earlier trip to this south-western province in June last year.
"This time around, it does not seem so tragic," she said of the mood among the residents, eight months on.
"I can see hope in their eyes."
Students took pictures of Goodwill Ambassador Stefanie Sun
when the singer visited their school.
ST photo: Ling Chang Hong
Jubilant schoolgirls showing off the autographs of Stefanie Sun.
ST photo: Ling Chang Hong
Sun was here on a two-day trip this week to mark the completion of seven reconstruction projects by Mercy Relief, symbolising an end to the first phase of rehabilitation efforts.
The next phase would be to focus on the longer-term development of these affected communities, according to Mercy Relief Chief Executibve Hassan Ahmad.
"Our future projects will be focused on poverty, healthcare, water and sanitation, education and livelihood," he said.
Huayandong Primary School, which was destroyed by the May12 earthquake,
was rebuilt with the help of Singapore donors and aid workers.
ST photo: Ling Chang Hong
Children in a new classroom in Huayandong Primary School.
ST photo: Ling Chang Hong
To achieve this and to reach out to more needy people in the region, Sun, as the Goodwill Ambassador, has launched a series of Goodwill Pandas named Sun Sun. They will be on sale from Jan15 at S$38 each. All proceeds will go to the development projects. (see note below)
Sun, who is popular among teenagers in China, created a stir wherever she went this week. Young girls waited in the wintry chill just to get a glimpse of her.
And while looking forward to going back to a brand new school after the Chinese New Year break, Huang Li and her classmates no doubt will have much to talk about during the festive holidays.
Singapore's Sun has warmed chilly Sichuan.
Stefanie Sun and Goodwill Panda "Sun Sun".
ST photo: Ling Chang Hong
Note: Those who are interested to purchase "Sun Sun" can call 63326320, or email to exchange@mercyrelief.org or visit Mercy Relief at Blk 160, Toa Payoh Lor 1, #01-1568.