Earthquake relief in Sichuan Province
On May 12, 2008, the Sichuan province in China experienced an 8.0 magnitude earthquake that left tens of thousands dead, and many more displaced. That summer, Shuai Yuan '11, Helen Gao '11, and Merlyn Deng '11 went with groups from other Chinese universities to volunteer in, learn about, document, and to experience the world that the citizens of Cha Ping Xiang have created in their temporary housing community. While nearly all of these survivors are uncertain about where they are going or what they will do, it seems like many of them have found a place to rest, recuperate, and rebuild the life that they used to have. Despite the rigorous challenges that they have faced, these people have miraculously bounced back to experience joy, community, and hope for a better future. Building Bridges searched for a vehicle to promote awareness about the compelling situation in Chengdu, and Building Bridges believes we have found one through Reach Out.
When Building Bridges arrived in this small relocation community, Building Bridges were immediately struck by the surprising hospitality of the citizens there. The happy primary school children from Cha Ping Xiang were almost a confusing spectacle, a brilliant speck of light on the backdrop of a bleak future. As college students ourselves, we struggled to understand the nature of their dilemma. The physical reasons are clear, as the effects of the earthquake are as visible in their lifestyle as are the broken buildings that also blot Chengdu's landscape. The juxtaposition of the tragedy and the fervent hope in these children is a stunning example of the humility, and the power, of the human condition. Through Reach Out, we hope to bring our fellow colleagues along for a similar journey, although we have greater goals in mind.
When Building Bridges arrived in this small relocation community, Building Bridges were immediately struck by the surprising hospitality of the citizens there. The happy primary school children from Cha Ping Xiang were almost a confusing spectacle, a brilliant speck of light on the backdrop of a bleak future. As college students ourselves, we struggled to understand the nature of their dilemma. The physical reasons are clear, as the effects of the earthquake are as visible in their lifestyle as are the broken buildings that also blot Chengdu's landscape. The juxtaposition of the tragedy and the fervent hope in these children is a stunning example of the humility, and the power, of the human condition. Through Reach Out, we hope to bring our fellow colleagues along for a similar journey, although we have greater goals in mind.
David Demres '11 and James Luo '12 participate in some ping-pong diplomacy.
Primary school students showing off their paper airplanes during recess.
A student with his English lesson drawing.
Students trying to understand why oil and water separate into layers in a glass jar.