A group of local student volunteers will set out for Yunnan Province in May to help local poverty-stricken families build simple and affordable housing.

The delegation consisting of 15 high school and university students will carry out the project in Zhaotong, northeast Yunnan Province, from May 1 to 7.

The project is being organized by international non-profit organizations Shanghai Roots & Shoots and Habitat for Humanity China.

The students are expected to help the local construction community lay building foundations, mix cement or pile brick under the guidance of Habitat for Humanity professionals, according to organizers.

The completed houses will be sold without profit to low-income Yunnan families with a no-interest mortgage.

The students are required to cover their transport and accommodation expenses as well as provide a cash donation for construction materials.

The figure totals about 6,000 yuan (US$723), organizers said.

"As the need for decent shelter is profound in southwest China, it's a great opportunity to get our students involved in community services by devoting their own time, effort and money to help people in need," said Fang Hui, a Shanghai Roots & Shoots official.

She added that more than 20 local students had signed up for the program by the end of last week.

To date, volunteers from all over the country have raised funds and built 143 homes in Yunnan since Habitat began to operate in China in 2000. This is the first time local youngsters have joined the building program.

In 2003, Habitat for Humanity China launched the "1,000 Houses Campaign."

The organization is calling on corporations, schools and individuals to build homes for 1,000 poverty-stricken families in the country's rural areas.

(Shanghai Daily March 31, 2005)