UTC donates 100 libraries in 2012; 100 more in 2013
The Library Project in partnership with UTC’s China aerospace units Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems and Sikorsky have completed the donation of 100 libraries to elementary schools in rural areas in six provinces in China. The program donated a total of 56,000 books and brought joy of reading to more than 23,000 students and 1,300 teachers within one year. Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems and Sikorsky are divisions of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
“UTC is a company that advocates life-long education,” said Liping Xie, Senior Managing Director, UTC Aerospace China, “We’re committed to creating an outstanding learning environment for our employees at the workplace and also encouraging them to participate in the company’s initiatives to support the educational development of the communities.”
Funded by UTC China, the UTC Aerospace China Library Program provides reading rooms or reading corners for students and teachers at elementary schools in the rural areas in China. Every library is equipped with more than 500 children’s books that cover a broad range of subjects from fairy tales and short stories to history and science learning, from student reference books to a full set of children’s encyclopedias.
The UTC Aerospace China Library Program was launched since November 2011. With support from China Population Welfare Foundation and local communities, UTC’s China aerospace units partnered with The Library Project and successfully completed donation of 100 libraries by October 25, 2012.
“UTC Aerospace China and The Library Project have formed a strong partnership and this collaboration has yielded an incredible first year. Together, we’ve donated 100 beautiful libraries to rural elementary schools throughout China. More than 23,000 children have access to these wonderful libraries and high quality books. It is our hope that these books and libraries provide the children attending each of these schools an additional tool to learn and grow. Every library donation was completed through a joint team of both The Library Project staff and UTC Aerospace China’s employee volunteers.” Tom Stader, Founder and Executive Director of The Library Project commented.
During the year, more than 200 employees from Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems and Sikorsky China have taken 42 trips together with The Library Project staff to donate the libraries in the rural areas in Anhui, Hebei, Shan’xi, Hunan, Sichuan and Fujian provinces.
“The library project demonstrates our commitment to the community education. We’re proud to see that all of our China aerospace units and their joint ventures and about 12% of our employees have participated in this program,” added Liping Xie, “We believe that the joy of reading we brought to the children will help shape their future. We’re committed to continuing this program with donation of another 100 libraries in 2013.”
UTC’s first project with The Library Project dates back to 2009, when a group of Pratt & Whitney employees in Shanghai raised funds and donated two libraries to elementary schools in Taihe County, Anhui Province. Now, UTC and The Library Project have formed a solid partnership in China and are helping schools that are in need.
UTC has established a long-term partnership with China’s aviation industry. Since 1929, UTC’s aerospace businesses have expanded their presence in the aerospace industry in China through 10 joint ventures covering sourcing, manufacturing, sales and marketing, maintenance, repair and overhaul and operations.
United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, industrial gas turbines and space propulsion systems. Pratt & Whitney has a growing presence in China with six joint ventures and approximately 1,200 employees covering sales, marketing, customer service, procurement, manufacturing overhaul and customer training.
About UTC Aerospace Systems
UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.
About Sikorsky
Sikorsky is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of advanced helicopter for commercial, industrial and military uses. In 2003, Sikorsky entered a joint venture in Shanghai to promote lightweight helicopter sales and service, S-76® and S-92® helicopter spares support, S-76 supply management and flight service. Sikorsky helicopters played a vital role in disaster relief of Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan Province in 2008.
About The Library Project
The Library Project is a non-profit charity organization that donates books and libraries to the under-financed schools in the developing world. They believe that education is change. Up to now, The Library Project has accumulatively created more than 800 libraries for elementary schools in the remote areas in China. The Library Project is a charity partner of China Population Welfare Foundation – a non-profit charity organization approved by the Ministry of Civil Affairs Registry.
About The Library Project
The Library Project is dedicated to improving rural education in China and throughout the world by providing children with access to libraries, literacy programs, and teacher training. Since 2006, they have benefited over a million children and teachers in more than 3,000 schools. Their programs include Reading Rooms, Reading Corners, Literacy Bags, and STEAM Boxes, all designed to create educational spaces where children can learn and grow. The Library Project is committed to measurable impact and continuous support for rural elementary schools, kindergartens, orphanages, community centers, and the home. For more information, visit www.library-project.org.