Cummins, a global manufacturer of diesel engines, and World Vision, a non-profit international relief and development agency, have entered into an agreement to provide tuition and living subsidies for 400 orphans in rural Yunnan province, and also conduct research on how to improve their lives.

Cummins will contribute US$38,000 to support this program, and World Vision will implement this program. By supporting this program financially, Cummins will be providing for the immediate needs of these children, and fund
research on how to reduce the number of orphans and how to improve their lives.

"Once we have a better understanding of the current condition of these children, we will find better solutions for reducing the number of orphans, providing better care for them and also preparing them for mainstream society," said Lily Guan, director of the World Vision Rural Orphan's Care Project.

Jinmei's story is representative of many of the orphans who will receive support through this program. Taken in by an elderly neighbor, she may be typical of many orphans living in China's countryside — struggling to survive off the generosity of neighbors and friends, but with out much of a chance for education and a future.

Little is known about rural orphans, though it is thought that most Chinese orphans live in rural areas, where roughly 60% of the overall population resides. That's because they live scattered in villages and far away from the support structures set up by government bureaus responsible for orphans care.

Providing for the orphan's physical well-being is only one aspect of the program.

"It's a program that involves not only funding and donation from company level but also employees' time and resources to participate in this CSR initiative. For example, the program encourages Cummins employees to be involved with the orphans through exchanging letters and visiting them. And we are also evaluating on how to provide product and services to support the project where deemed helpful and practical," commented John Watkins, President of Cummins East Asia.

These personal touches can make a big difference according to Lily, "Having someone writing you a letter can be a significant boost emotionally. When you don't have parents to provide support it helps to know that someone is in your corner pulling for you."

World Vision is an international relief and development agency, which was formed in 1950. In 1962 when typhoon Wendy struck Hong Kong, World Vision responded to this disaster with donations of relief supplies and formally registered in Hong Kong. In 1982, World Vision Hong Kong created a department to respond to the Qinghai flooding and with the coordination of all government levels, began its work in China.

In 1993 the China Ministry department of World Vision Hong Kong became independent and was renamed as World Vision China to further its mission of alleviating poverty and realizing development in China.

World Vision China receives financial support from many World Vision Offices worldwide, however approximately 70% come from Hong Kong. World Vision is committed to a policy of localization, with 80% of its staff coming from different areas of China and the remaining 20% is overseas Chinese hired in Hong Kong.