Air Liquide unveiled a new computer classroom in Ya'an, Sichuan

On September 28, Air Liquide China unveiled its tenth computer classroom and first electronic reading room at Songlin Primary School in Dashu Town, Hanyuan County, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province. The two facilities are equipped with 47 recycled computers and 66 recycled tablets, all donated by the company.

Songlin Primary School, established in 2009, is one of the schools rebuilt after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. The school has 204 teachers and students and has faced a shortage of IT equipment since its establishment. This has hindered teachers' daily work and information-based teaching, and the students’ access to quality online learning resources, which in turn restricts the school's ability to improve its educational quality.

In response to the school’s needs, Air Liquide donated 47 recycled computers and 66 recycled flat panels, establishing its first computer classroom and e-reading room. These will help teachers more efficiently conduct information search and prepare lessons, allowing them to focus more on classroom teaching innovation. The students will also be able to access a wider range of knowledge.

The donated computers and tablets were cleaned and refurbished by 30 employees during a volunteer activity. This activity is part of the Air Liquide's "Citizen at Work" project, which encourages employees to dedicate a portion of their working time to social responsibility activities.

The "Air Liquide Computer Classroom" project was launched in the country in 2012, aiming to help students acquire computer knowledge and skills and promote vocational education in rural areas. To date, the company has donated over 450 recycled computers to schools and communities in 12 cities across Sichuan, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Jiangxi and other provinces. 

Sichuan Province is one of Air Liquide's key basins in China, where the Group has begun operations since 2008. Currently, Air Liquide operates three subsidiaries and one joint-venture in Chengdu, Mianyang, and Meishan, primarily serving the electronics, high-end manufacturing, and clean energy industries. In addition, Air Liquide has supported this region on different occasions, including donating to the affected area following the Wenchuan Earthquake, building the first Computer Classroom in Chengdu, and planting trees to restore the giant panda habitat in Ya'an Giant Panda National Park.

Rui COELHO, CEO of Air Liquide China, said:

For over 35 years, we have been committed to promoting sustainable economic and social development in China. The Group's 'Citizen at Work' program aims to create a positive impact on society, with an emphasis on educational accessibility and equity. Through the 'Air Liquide Computer Classroom' program, which is implemented at Songlin Primary School in Sichuan this year, we hope to open a window for students in rural China, enabling them to explore the world and contribute to the development of rural talents in the country

LI Xijie, the principal of Songlin Primary School, said,

These computers and tablets will pave a new path for the children into the digital age. This donation will serve as a starting point for the school to deepen its commitment to high-quality education, allowing children in the mountains to truly connect with the wider world through keyboards and screens.