Allying with Driscoll’s, Pagoda contributes to development of primary and secondary education in western China. On March 24, Driscoll’s × Pagoda alliance and China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) sent a delegation to Wenyuan Middle School under Huize County First Middle School, Qujing, Yunnan. In discussions and exchange with the Yunnan Youth Development Foundation, Huize County Committee of the Communist Youth League, faculty, beneficiaries of the “Educational Assistance to Western China” (members of postgraduate volunteer teacher team), and students, they built up experience for carrying out further public benefit projects concerned and hereby boosting sound development of education in more underdeveloped regions.

The “Educational Assistance to Western China” is fully termed as “Teaching Funding Project for Young Volunteers under China’s Far West Program”. Jointly initiated by Driscoll’s, Pagoda and CFRD, the project is intended to give financial backing to postgraduates who volunteer to provide teaching services in western China, especially those from families in financial difficulty. While the young volunteers improve their qualities in voluntary teaching practice, education of western China is brought to a new level. Allegedly, the project is Driscoll’s first attempt of public benefit in China, through cooperation with Pagoda. The parties donate CNY 500,000 or so to one-year stint of around 60 postgraduates who will provide free teaching services in mountainous schools of Yunnan and Gansu provinces. Each voluntary teacher is entitled to annual subsidy of CNY 7,200.

Driscoll’s is world’s largest berry company, with a brand of the same name. Pagoda, China’s biggest fruit chain retailer, went public on HKSE main board market earlier this January. The two industry leaders both acknowledge the significance of education to the development of remote areas. A year ago, the project remained in embryo. In last June, it was set in motion. After rounds of selection of voluntary teachers and appropriation of funds, it ushered in the field trip.

At the seminar, Huang Yongxia, Assistant Director of CFRD, expressed sincere gratitude to the two responsible corporate citizens--Driscoll’s and Pagoda for their donation to education. “The project is now going smoothly with half of work done. The first grant has been allotted to remarkable postgraduates engaged in the project, which alleviates their financial stress, inspires them to provide educational assistance to underdeveloped regions, and increases service quality and standard of the voluntary teachers. We launch an appeal to more caring organizations and individuals to join us in boosting education in western China, and facilitating development and accomplishment of college students. The second grant will have been allotted before this June."

The project is said to wind up the first session in this July. By then, CFRD will cooperate with Yunnan and Gansu committees of the Communist Youth League to rate and award outstanding voluntary teachers in accordance with nomination and feedback of local schools accepting educational assistance. “Besides, preparations are now afoot for commencing the second session of the project.”

Company：Shenzhen Pagoda Industrial (Group) Corporation Limited

Contact Person: Yang YuXuan

Email: yangyuxuan@pagoda.com.cn

Website: https://www.pagoda.com.cn/

Telephone:075536865476

City：Shenzhen