On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Sands China senior executives, accompanied by 20 Sands Cares Ambassadors, travelled to Xiushui County in Jiangxi Province for a momentous occasion: the official handover ceremony of Aoyi Primary School. This new school, a testament to the dedication of Sands China Ltd. and China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), represents a significant milestone for the local community.
The unveiling ceremony was graced by representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao, Sands China team members, CCECC, and key Macao government agencies. Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., emphasized the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and their deep integration within the Macao community. He stated, “The Aoyi Primary School construction project represents our proactive response to the national rural revitalisation strategy and serves as a crucial step in aiding the Macao SAR government’s efforts in rural revitalisation in Jiangxi’s Xiushui County. We are thrilled to take part in this project, and to partner with CCECC to enhance the educational infrastructure in Xiushui County. We firmly believe that by improving the foundational educational resources there, we can not only create a more conducive learning environment for local children but also establish a robust groundwork for the county’s long-term economic and social development, which holds profound significance. We hope that the connection between the two places will endure, and through this project, we can extend the caring spirit of the Sands Cares Ambassadors, demonstrating a sense of patriotism and love for Macao.”
Yang Song, assistant general manager of CCECC and managing director of CCECC Hong Kong and Macau Branch, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with Sands China in successfully completing the construction of Aoyi Primary School, aiming to revitalise rural education for the advancement of the countryside and to contribute to the flourishing development of education in Xiushui County. I hope that Aoyi Primary School will continue to excel, further nurturing the profound bond between Macao and Xiushui, and playing a role in fostering more outstanding individuals for our nation!”
The old Aoyi Primary School, situated at the base of a hill, struggled with limited space and inadequate facilities, posing safety risks, particularly during storms. The new school, located in Huanggang town, boasts a spacious 3,900 square metres with a 1,700 square metre construction area, providing a much-needed boost to educational opportunities for children in nearby villages.
After the official ceremony, the Sands Cares Ambassadors toured the school, distributing stationery and sports equipment, and engaging with the students, fostering a sense of community between Macao and Xiushui. They also visited a nearby village, delivering essential items like rice, noodles, and quilts to local families, sharing conversations and expressions of appreciation with the villagers. The delegation further deepened their connection to the nation’s history by visiting the Qiushou Uprising Xiushui Memorial Hall.
The Sands Cares Ambassador programme, celebrating its 15th year, now encompasses over 3,300 volunteers from all Sands China properties, solidifying its legacy of community service and continuing to build bridges between Macao and mainland China through impactful initiatives like the Aoyi Primary School project.
