UTC to complete 200 library donations by the end of 2013
The Library Project in partnership with UTC’s China aerospace units Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems and Sikorsky are on track to complete their goal of 200 library donations in China by the end of 2013. To date, they have successfully donated 101 libraries to elementary schools in rural areas located in six provinces. Together they donated a total of 57,000 books and brought the joy of reading to more than 23,000 students and 1,300 teachers. 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.”
UTC Aerospace China Library Program’s 101st library donation located in Sichuan, China
Funded by UTC China, the UTC Aerospace China Library Program provides Reading Rooms and Reading Corners for students and teachers at elementary schools in China’s rural areas. Every library is equipped with between 500 to 1,000 children’s books that cover a broad range of subjects including fairy tales, short stories, history, science, reference books, and even a full set of children’s encyclopedias.
The UTC Aerospace China Library Program was launched in November 2011. By October 25, 2012, with support from the China Population Welfare Foundation and local communities, UTC’s China aerospace units and The Library Project completed their first 100 library donations.
During the first year, more than 200 employees from Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems, and Sikorsky China took 42 trips with The Library Project staff to donate libraries in the rural areas of Anhui, Hebei, Shan’xi, Hunan, Sichuan, and Fujian provinces.
“UTC Aerospace China and The Library Project have accomplished in many ways the impossible,” said Tom Stader, Founder and Executive Director of The Library Project. “Together, during the first year’s partnership, we donated 100 libraries to six provinces in China. These libraries placed colorful, fun books into the hands of over 23,000 eager young readers. During the second year, we’re going to raise the bar even further with an additional 100 library donations in eight provinces and a comprehensive Post-Assessment of each of the previous year’s library donations. Through the Post-Assessment, we’ll assess library usage and select schools will receive additional book donations based on need. I could not imagine a better partner than UTC Aerospace China. They are an incredible company with employees that truly care about helping improve the education that so many children receive.”
UTC Aerospace China Library Program’s 101st library donation located in Sichuan, China
The UTC Aerospace China Library Program’s second year has very aggressive goals. The program will be expanded to cover eight provinces: Anhui, Hebei, Shaanxi, Shan’xi, Henan, Fujian, Hubei, and Sichuan.
Schedule for upcoming library donations:
Spring 2013
March: 18 library donations
April: 18 library donations
May: 20 library donations
June: 16 library donations
Fall 2013
September: 18 library donations
October: 9 library donations
In addition to the goal of completing the next 100 library donations, each of the first year’s libraries will undergo a thorough Post-Assessment to ensure that the libraries are being used on a regular basis. If the library is not being used, training will be provided to the administration in order to increase use. Select schools will receive additional books based upon need.
“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 together they are helping schools 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 libraries to the under-financed schools, orphanages and community centers in Asia. They believe education is the key motivator to breaking the cycle of poverty that exists in the developing world. Up to now, The Library Project has established 865 elementary school libraries in China and Vietnam. They’ve put more than 500,000 local language children’s books into the hands of eager young readers. Over 350,00 children now have access to improved educational infrastructure. The Library Project is a registered 501(c)3 charity in the United States, is a charity partner of the China Population Welfare Foundation – a non-profit charity organization approved by the China Ministry of Civil Affairs Registry, and is a registered non-profit organization in Hong Kong. All donations are tax-deductible in the USA, China and Hong Kong.
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.