Samsung in partnership with United Way of Mumbai, a not-for-profit organization has built a state of art English Medium School in a Tsunami affected community, in Nagapattinam District Tamil Nadu.

The Samsung School of Hope, as it has been named, is completely supported by Samsung, Korea. In January 2005, approximately 137,000 Samsung employees made a generous donation of US$ 2 million to United Way South Asia Tsunami Response Fund. The grant was designated on the request of the employees to construct and rebuild schools as part of United Way's overall effort to rebuild the infrastructure of these Tsunami damaged communities.

The Samsung School of Hope is spread over sprawling 2.5 acres land and will reach out to 250 children from Nursery to Vth Standard in its first year of operation. The school will increase the intake of children every year and also gradually add classes to soon provide higher secondary education to children.

In keeping with Samsung's focus on excellence, attention has been paid to detail. The school has been built according to the specifications of the Tamil Nadu Educational Board and includes large classrooms, a computer lab, a library, 2 large dining halls, wide corridors and ample play areas. For lunch, the children will be served a hot, simple and nutritious meal

States Mr V L Narayan, Regional Manager, Sales, Samsung India, "We are indeed very happy to partner with United Way to set up the Samsung School of Hope and to dedicate this institution to the residents of Chinnakudi village .The Samsung School of Hope, as it is named, we hope will make a huge difference in the lives of the young children who will receive education here as well as their parents." The School is being inaugurated today at a function being held on site, which is being attended by senior representatives of Samsung from Korea & India, United Way International and United Way of Mumbai.

"United Way focus is to ensure that all the tsunami money is spent in a tangible manner and thus the focus on reconstruction. The Samsung School, we believe is a long term investment that will create tangible sustainable change" Sunit Mehra, Chairman, United Way of Mumbai

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About Samsung India

Samsung India is a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (SEC) in India. Since its inception, Samsung India has been involved in promoting IT literacy, funding educational and research projects and supporting sports in the country. Samsung India has set up 'Samsung Digital Adventure' at the National Science Center, New Delhi with the intention of educating the youth on the new technologies being developed across the Globe and their manifestation in the form of state of the art digital technology products. Samsung Digital Adventure showcases these futuristic products and is visited by thousands of school children every year.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. the parent Company of Samsung India is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2006 parent company sales of US$63.4 billion and net income of US$8.5 billion. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs.

About United Way of Mumbai

United Way of Mumbai is an independent affiliate of United Way International, a network of 4500 United Way chapters in 48 countries. United Way of Mumbai has been actively working for Tsunami survivors from January 2005.

United Way of Mumbai has worked towards restoring the livelihoods of 775 fishermen, provided counseling & Trauma relief to 5000 distressed, is rebuilding 273 permanent shelters, community center and school with the aim to holistically develop the Tsunami affected communities.

United Way Mumbai mobilizes resources for its community projects in India through the Employee Giving Program and Corporate Donations. In a short span of 4 years United Way has partnered with over 40 leading corporations.

To know more about United Way visit www.unitedwaymumbai.org