Wal-Mart Sponsors Scholarship for Migrant Women Workers

May 10 , 2007

Shenzhen, May 10—Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the world’s leading retailer, announced today that it has donated US$255,000 to the Scholarship Program for Chinese Women Workers, providing educational scholarships for 70 migrant workers in China’s Guangzhou Province. The scholarships were awarded at a ceremony today at the Panyu campus of the Guangdong Women’s Professional Technical College (GWPTC). This contribution is one of several initiatives supported by Wal-Mart Ethical Standards Department in collaboration with the Wal-Mart Foundation.

The Wal-Mart Ethical Standards Department launched its International Giving Program (IGP) in 2006. The purpose of the IGP is to strengthen the supply chain by empowering factory workers through education.  Although the IGP focuses on factory workers and their family, other members of the population can also benefit from the program. 

The IGP in collaboration with Wal-Mart Foundation awarded the grant for “the Scholarship Program for Chinese Women Workers” to Asia Foundation on July 18, 2006. This scholarship program is the first program of its kind—sponsoring advanced education for migrant women workers in the heart of China’s booming manufacturing center, the Pearl River Delta. By focusing on advanced vocational education, the program will dramatically improve the career prospects of these women.

“Wal-Mart has a long track record of contributing to the communities wherever we operate,” said Ed Chan , president and CEO, Wal-Mart China.  “While migrant women workers have made great contributions to society, most lack the opportunity to build a successful career. We are honored to have this opportunity to provide the much-needed support to the chosen recipients for their advanced education.

According to Wal-Mart, 40 scholarship recipients will study pre-school education and computer application technology at the GWPTC, while the other 30 recipients will study at other 5 vocational schools in the Pearl River Delta.

Courses provided by those colleges and schools include human resource management, business administration, logistics management, computer science, foreign languages and economics.

The scholarships will cover tuition fees, course materials and accommodation. Students in extreme financial need may also apply for cost of living stipends. In order to qualify for the scholarships, applicants must be:
1) Migrant women workers who have worked for more than a year in Guangdong and who are not registered as permanent residents of Guangdong Province
2) Over 16 years of age, with middle school diplomas or above
3) Recipients of a monthly income below RMB 800 or an average income per family member of less than RMB 400 who are unable to afford the overall cost of education.

The scholarship sponsorship is one of Wal-Mart’s many contributions to communities in China. Since Wal-Mart’s entry into China in 1996, the company has been actively engaged in corporate social responsibility programs targeting five specific areas: social and economic sustainability, community development, educational sponsorship, child care, and disaster relief.

To date, Wal-Mart has donated more than RMB 26 million to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs in China and Wal-Mart employees have contributed more than130,000 man hours.

About the Wal-Mart Foundation

Every year, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports approximately 100,000 organizations in the U.S. Charitable giving in 2006 exceeded US$300 million; that’s about US$5.8 million per week. More than 90 percent of Wal-Mart’s charitable contributions are directed at the local level, where Wal-Mart customers and associates live and work.

About Wal-Mart Ethical Standards Department

The Wal-Mart Ethical Standards Department focuses exclusively on ethical sourcing.  The vision of the Ethical Standards Department is “sourcing ethically through a socially responsible program.”  The Ethical Standards Program consists of over 200 people located around the globe.  The team carries out the integrated functions of social responsibility, education and training, risk-management, and stakeholder engagement. For more information about Wal-Mart Ethical Standards Program go to: www.walmartstores.com or www.walmartfacts.com.

About Wal-Mart in China

Wal-Mart entered China in 1996, opening its first Chinese Supercenter in Shenzhen. Currently Wal-Mart operates three store formats in China including Supercenters, Sam’s Clubs and Neighborhood Markets. The company strives to provide customers with a one-stop shopping experience with friendly service and a wide selection of quality products at Every Day Low Prices. As an outstanding corporate citizen in the communities it serves, Wal-Mart has won awards such as “Best Employer”, “Best Community Involvement”, “Supplier Satisfaction Recognition” and “Most Admired Company”.  For more information about Wal-Mart in China, please visit www.wal-martchina.com.