In order to involve employees throughout the global DNV organisation, regional offices have been encouraged to initiate Red Cross projects. DNV in China was the first to do so, and has formed a strategic partnership with China Red Cross society.
DNV in China has helped to improve life in two Chinese villages through support for water and sanitation projects. These projects have been a collaboration between the Norwegian Red Cross, China Red Cross society and local government, with part funding from DNV in China.
Clean, drinkable water and hygiene promotion programmeshave been provided to residents in Cheng Dong and Chang Rong. These villages are situated in the Yanbian district, close to the North Korean border.
“Clean water for everyone is an enormous challenge for China. I firmly believe that through our combined efforts, expertise and technology, we can make other people’s lives safer, healthier and happier,” said DNV’s regional manager in China Bjørn K. Haugland.
Chinese Red Cross teaches first aid
More than 70 DNV employees in Shanghai and at other offices have received first aid training from their local Red Cross branches.
“The first aid training course proved most useful and informative,” said Julia Zhu, DNV’s SHE coordinator in China. The Red Cross spends the income it receives for these courses on its humanitarian work.
The first aid training is one example of how the two partners can support each other by sharing expertise.
“Together, we will gradually deploy other initiatives in the region,” says Bjørn K. Haugland.
Partnership strengthened in 2007
In 2007, a new village in the Yanbian district will receive support from DNV in China. A water and sanitation project is being planned together with the Norwegian Red Cross and China Red Cross society.
DNV employees in China will play an active part in this project’s implementation. Their contributions on technical issues are intended to provide more robust and sustainable water supply solutions to the beneficiaries of the project.