Twinned schools help earthquake victims

Less than two weeks since the earthquake struck in Sichuan Province, teachers and staff at Mianyang's Nanshan School are doing their best to get back to normal.
 
Lessons have resumed, but until the buildings can be properly inspected all classes are taking place outside.

Tents have been put up in the school grounds top house the students.

Although none of the nine thousand staff and pupils was hurt in the earthquake, many have friends and relatives in the region who have been injured or killed.

English teacher Yuan Chengkun was alone at home when the earthquake struck, while her husband was at work and her daughter away studying in the regional capital Chengdu.

"We can't contact each other.  We can't use the telephones.  We were very worried," she explained "Life is very very fragile - you can lose it in a second in a sudden disaster.  We should cherish the happiness we have today."

Nanshan school has set up a Counselling Service for children affected by the earthquake (pictured).

But they are also finding ways to help those affected directly.

Yuan Chengkun has told BBC World Class that many students and teachers in Nanshan School have been working as volunteers.

"Some of us distribute all the things needed for daily use to the victims," she explained, "Tens of thousands of victims stay in Mianyang City these days.  Some of us help to carry the injured in the hospitals.  Some young teachers went to the earthquake-hit areas to participate the search and rescue activities.  Some load or unload the relief materials donated from other provinces in China.  Many students and teachers donated money, blood or goods to the victims."

Teachers and students at their Leicestershire partner school, William Bradford Community College are also getting involved.  They have started fund raising for the earthquake victims.

Sixth form pupils wore red to school, the Chinese colour for good luck, and Year 10s organised a pay to play Football Tournament.

"We were very concerned and upset," says Sue Mitchell the link co-ordinator for William Bradford Community College, "and it's an enormous relief to hear that everyone in Nanshan school is well.  We were affected because of our connection."

How did they do that?

Leicestershire has a district link with Sichuan province which includes 12 school partnerships co-ordinated by international links officer, Helen Trilling.  

Read more about the  William Bradford - Nanshan link at BBC World Class and from the BBC Chinese service.

The partnerships are facilitated by the British Council.

To find out how you can twin your school email worldclass@bbc.co.uk

Read about the Chinese earthquake at the BBC News website.

Please let us know if you have a partner school in China email worldclass@bbc.co.uk.

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