WAL-MART, the world's leading retailer, has announced that it will donate 2 million yuan (US$259,740) in educational scholarships for 70 migrant workers in Guangdong.

The contribution is one of several initiatives supported by Wal-Mart's Ethical Standards Department in collaboration with the Wal-Mart Foundation.

The Wal-Mart Ethical Standards Department launched its International Giving Program (IGP) in 2006 to strengthen the supply chain by empowering factory workers through education. Although the IGP focuses on factory workers and their families, other people can also benefit from the program.

This scholarship program is the second of its kind - sponsoring advanced education for migrant women workers in the heart of China's booming manufacturing center, the Pearl River Delta. By focusing on advanced vocational education, the program will dramatically improve the career prospects of the women.

According to Wal-Mart, 40 recipients of a scholarship will study pre-school education and computer application technology at the Guangdong Women's Profession Training Center, while the other 30 recipients will study at five other vocational schools in the Pearl River Delta region.

The scholarships will cover tuition fees, course materials and accommodation. Students in extreme financial need may also apply for cost of living stipends.

Editor: Yan