As temporary schools, the four Allianz institutions can accommodate nearly 3000 students for at least three years, until permanent schools are built. This is the first school charity program financed by an international insurer in China following the May 12, 2008 Sichuan earthquake.
The four institutions are now named after Allianz and are located in the Mianzhu area of Deyang, which was severely destroyed by the earthquake. The original school buildings suffered major structural damage and had to be closed. In order to help local children return to school, Allianz contacted local authorities, teamed up with the Ren'ai Charity Fund and built altogether 57 classrooms in Qifu and Xiaode.
Allianz sponsored schools open in China's earthquake zone
Two primary schools and two kindergartens, sponsored by Allianz Group, have opened in China's earthquake-hit area, the Sichuan province. This marks Allianz’s first step to provide support for rebuilding earthquake affected rural areas.
Heinz Dollberg and student at opening ceremony
Expression of Allianz's corporate responsibility
"As a member of the local community in Deyang, we are particularly devoted to being a good corporate citizen in supporting local residents and their families. We see this engagement as a practical first contribution, and expression of our corporate responsibility. We will keep in close contact with these schools and kindergartens, and carry this engagement forward in light of social necessity in future," said Heinz Dollberg, who heads Allianz Group's Asia Pacific Division, at the opening ceremony.
In response to the devastating earthquake, many Allianz companies, for example in France, Germany, Spain and Malaysia, and their staff made donations. Meanwhile, Allianz China Life and its staff took actions to support the affected people in Sichuan. Immediately after the quake, the local branch of the company delivered food and emergency utilities to the most affected regions, such as Dujiangyan and Deyang, and also organized volunteers among staff to support local authorities in ongoing relief operations.
In response to the devastating earthquake, many Allianz companies, for example in France, Germany, Spain and Malaysia, and their staff made donations. Meanwhile, Allianz China Life and its staff took actions to support the affected people in Sichuan. Immediately after the quake, the local branch of the company delivered food and emergency utilities to the most affected regions, such as Dujiangyan and Deyang, and also organized volunteers among staff to support local authorities in ongoing relief operations.
Heinz Dollberg, Christian Molt and Kathy Fu, General Manager of the Sichuan Branch, gave Allianz eagle toys to students and encouraged them to be brave as eagles to overcome hardship
A 24-hour service hotline was established for settling claims as swiftly as possible. For those whose insurance cover did not qualify for claims, the company set up a fund and extended care and necessities to customers in time. For the reconstruction period in the earthquake area, Allianz will focus on medium to long term financial support for children who suffered most from the aftermath of the quake. Thus, the establishment of Allianz schools in Qifu and Xiaode is just the first step among longer term efforts comprising a total investment estimated at 10 million renminbi.
Christian Molt, CEO of Allianz China Life commented: "The Sichuan province – including Chengdu, Deyang and Mianyang – have been and will be strong hubs in West China's economic and social development. Despite the unfortunate disaster, Allianz China Life is very confident in the recovery of Sichuan society."
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