Sichuan Quake Relief (SQR)

Alpha Communities, who focus on long-term development through education, restoration of degraded environment, renewable energy and micro loans, have sponsored children’s education in Sichuan for over a decade. Since the earthquake, aside from immediate relief projects, they have focused in Sichuan on providing free vocational training to more than 60 laid-off workers in the area around Jiangyou. There is a wide range of training on offer, with most opting for courses in the construction and textile industries. “So far 60 people have finished their vocational training, and all of them have found a job,” Chris Turner, the organisation’s Executive Officer, told SQR.

They have now raised enough funding to put another 100 people through this vocational training after the Spring Festival, he said. On average, a three-month training programme costs 3,000rmb, and the participants are offered the option of a 3,000rmb micro-loan after they graduate.

For more information, contact Chris on cturner@alphacommunities.org or see their website.