OREANDA-NEWS. Two years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and Sojitz Corporation would like once again to extend its sincere sympathies to all victims, pay homage to those engaging in the restoration, and express its hope for the earliest possible recovery.

Sojitz will begin accepting applications in April 2013 for the third group of recipients of scholarships from the Sojitz Reconstruction and Education Fund, which was established in May 2011.

The Fund is available to university students who are facing economic difficulties continuing their education as a result of the earthquake. The Fund will provide financial aid to 30 or more students each year over the five years from the 2011 to 2015 academic years. The total amount provided is up to 100 million yen per year. The Fund will provide monthly stipends of 70,000 yen per student for up to four years through Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.

Since the Fund will provide scholarships for up to four years until graduation by the fifth group of recipients in the 2015 academic year, the Fund’s payment period will be the eight years from 2011 to 2018.

The number of students who have received the aid so far is 52 in the first group (starting 2011) and 37 in the second group (starting 2012).

As a part of its relief support efforts, Sojitz has provided relief supplies in addition to this Fund and has been supporting volunteer activities by Group officers and employees.

The Sojitz Group will continue to support reconstruction in the affected regions in line with the local needs.