On May 12th, 2008 at 14:28, Sichuan Province was hit by one of the worst earthquake in history. At the epicenter of Wenchuan, live the members of our Qiang Ethnic Minority Children¡¯s Chorus, a nonprofit organization founded by Shenzhen Charity Foundation Songhe Growth and Love Fund and Advance Asia.
As of this moment, all members of the chorus remain missing.
The Qiang Minority Children¡¯s Chorus Group was established in 2007, with the purpose to promote ethnical culture and to help children from less developed regions step out of their village and see the world for themselves. On Sept 7th 2007, the chorus made their debut at Shenzhen travel and culture festival and their performance touched the hearts and souls of all audience. As the children returned to their villages, they brought back not only memories, but also hopes that they could build a better and brighter future for their minority groups living in the mountain areas.
As our children were anxiously waiting for their next performance, the disaster hit Wenchuan without a notice. Together with their hopes and aspiration, our children might have already been buried under the landslides and rubbles. As you read our memorial website, the death toll keeps rising. The confirmed death reaches 14,866 as of midnight, May 15th. While we pray and hope that miracles could happen to our children, we also prepare for the worst news that would come. This is the sadness beyond our imagination yet it¡¯s the reality that we can not escape.
Miss miQ Li, a reporter of 21st Century Herald, is on the ground in Wen Chuan and helping searching for the kids. She will bring us the most up to date news.
May our children be strong and may all victims rest in peace.
