“It is very hard for me to put into words how difficult it is to see this kind of destruction. My thoughts and actions are now focused on helping to rebuild the schools that were destroyed in this tragedy and to rebuild them in the proper way. I am deeply appreciative that you have decided to join me in this effort. Hopefully you and I can also encourage others around the world to do as we are doing, to make life better for those who need our help.”
The Yao Ming Foundation was established in June of 2008 by international NBA Star Yao Ming in response to the devastating 8.0 earthquake in Sichuan Province, China on May 12, 2008. An 8.0 earthquake is the equivalent to energy released from 790 nuclear bombs. More than 8,000 schoolrooms and 185 schools were destroyed during the earthquake.
The Yao Ming Foundation has so far committed to rebuilding five schools in the earthquake region. The new earthquake resistant schools will provide top level education for more than 1000 students, many of whom will also board at the schools.
The Yao Ming Foundation is partnering with The China
Youth Development Fund (CYDF) to distribute the funds and
provide day-to-day oversight for the rebuilding projects. CYDF
is a non-governmental non-profit organization in China that
provides assistance to disadvantaged children and has helped
to fund the construction of more than 9,000 primary schools
in poverty-stricken regions. None of the schools built by
CYDF were destroyed during the earthquake. Schools receive
matching contributions from the local government to help
ensure community support.
The Yao Ming Foundation also supports additional educational opportunities in the US and China.
Yao Ming and Ye Li have committed to paying the Foundation's administrative costs so that 100% of any contribution from the public is directed to the charitable cause.