After learning about the tragic news of the earthquake in Ya’an, Sichuan province, University of Macau (UM) students lost no time in organising a series of activities to help the earthquake victims. They prayed on the various social networking websites for people affected by the earthquake, and kicked off a one-week fundraising campaign today (22 April).

In addition to the fundraising campaign, UM students will also organise a candlelight vigil, a charity ice cream sale, and a “blessing card” activity. They plan to put more donation boxes on campus to try to raise as much money as possible. UM also plans to provide full scholarships to three students from the earthquake-affected area to encourage them to continue with their studies and to stay positive in the face of the tragic disaster. A counselling team has been established to provide help to UM students who need assistance or emotional support.

The donation boxes can be found at the East Asia College (EAC), the Pearl Jubilee College (PJC), the Honours College (HC), the ninth floor of the East Asia Hall, and the Student Centre. All donations received will be delivered to the Macau SAR Red Cross. The disaster relief activities have received great support from UM staff and students. The following UM units have been involved in the organisation of the activities—the China Mainland Students Association, the Postgraduate Association, the Students’ Union, the Student Affairs Office, the Communications Office, the Academic Affairs Office, the Alumni and Development Office, the Global Affairs Office, HC, EAC, and PJC.