US Firm to Support Chinese Students

US-based telecommunications giant AT&T will donate US$100,000 to support 40 Shanghai students in their six years of study at middle school.

In accordance with a memorandum of understanding signed between AT&T China and Shanghai authorities, a representative of the company will act as a voluntary instructor in study and personal guidance for the 40 students from Jiulong Model School, and provide each student with a school bag.

The school, in Zhabei District, was set up under the leadership of former city mayor Xu Kuangdi and is sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Education and Zhabei District Government.

The school provides free education to academically-gifted middle school students from poor families and is financed by public donations.

An AT&T China spokesman said that AT&T hoped to contribute more to the community as it gradually merged into Chinese society.

He stressed the importance of supporting and encouraging students with reassuring financial aid and the voluntary instructor program.

(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2002)