2009-06-22 21:46:53

BEIJING, June 22, 2009 -- 522 students from the earthquake-devastated areas in soutwestern Sichuan Province returned home after one-year study in Rizhao, a coastal city in eastern Shandong Province, Xinhua learned on Sunday.

The children were quite happy at their family reunion.

Soundbite: Su Yunfan, 11, student from Songpan County, Sichuan Province Q: How was your life and study in Shandong? Su: My study has improved a lot since I started learning there. I feel very happy now. Q: why? Su:Because I will see my grandparents soon.

In order to help children in earthquake-ravaged areas get rid of the psychological shadow brought by the disaster, 717 students from the worst-hit quake areas were transferred to study and live in Rizhao City. An organization called Ankang Homeland was built to support their daily lives. Several "Ankang Mothers" there established ties with the kids and helped them with psychological comfort.

Soundbite: Sun Xiaojie, a "Ankang Mother" I hope they can keep the good habits they had here when they go back, study hard and remember us.

A primary school, a middle school and an "An Kang Homeland" will be built by Rizhao Steel Coorporation to help the students keep learning in familiar surroundings.

Soundbite: Wang Lifei, vice general-manager of Rizhao Steel Coorporation The returning students can continue to study in our newly-built Tanghu Primary School and Jiujiang Middle school that can accomdate over 4,000 students as of September 1, and live in the "Ankang Homeland."