BASF Stiftung Supports “UNESCO Association Scholarship for 3.11 Disaster-Stricken Children and Students”
- Donates approximately € 50,000 to support education of students in disaster-affected areas of northeastern Japan for next 3 years
Tokyo, Japan – January 13, 2015 – BASF Stiftung, a charitable foundation based in Germany, will donate approximately € 50,000 to support the “UNESCO Association Scholarship for 3.11 Disaster-Stricken Children and Students”, established by the National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan (NFUAJ) . The donation forms part of its initiatives to support t he recovery of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The donation is financed by contributions from BASF and Group companies and their employees to BASF Stiftung. The donation will be used to fund scholarships to support students in the affected areas for three years.
More than three years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, there are still many children whose education has been jeopardized by the financial difficulties of their parents in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. Through the donation, BASF Stiftung aims to support those children so that they can continue to study without worrying. The donation will be supplied to students in the most affected cities, towns, and villages in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures.
Dr. Joerg-Christian Steck, Representative Director & President of BASF Japan, said, “With the help of NFUAJ's experience in education and its networks, we hope that BASF Stiftung’s support will ensure that students in the affected area can continue their education.”
Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, BASF and BASF Stiftung have continuously supported children in the affected areas. For example, by making use of the €2 million donated by B ASF and Group companies and their employees, BASF has contributed €500,000 to the Central Community Chest of Japan as immediate aid to victims. Between 2011 and 2014, BASF Stiftung has supported the “Bringing Back Smiles” project i n corporation with UNESCO to drive various revitalization activities. In 2013, BASF Stiftung also provided support for the “Feel Home & Create Home” project implemented by the University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo to build a new playground and recreation area in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, and also supported educational activities in Fukushima Prefecture.
About The National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan (NFUAJ)
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed." (From the UNESCO Constitution) The National Federation of UNESCO Associations in Japan (NFUAJ) is a non-governmental organization that is in agreement with the principles of the UNESCO Constitution, and aims for international peace and the realization of equal welfare for all people, as well as solutions to various educational and cultural issues.
About BASF Stiftung
BASF Stiftung is a charitable foundation based in Ludwigshafen, Germany. The foundation is committed to disaster relief and the promotion of international projects that contribute to long-term improvement in the living conditions of disadvantaged people, especially children and youth. BASF Stiftung works together with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and especially with the United Nations (UN) to implement development projects worldwide. BASF Stiftung supports international development projects to address social challenges where market-based solutions are not sufficient .
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. Our portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. As the world’s leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of about €74 billion in 2013 and over 112,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
