Harmful donation?

Should cigarette manufacturers contribute to education?

The question has arisen after a school in Sichuan province had its signboard engraved with the words "Sichuan Tobacco Project Hope Primary School". A slogan engraved on another board goes: "Aspire to contribute to society/Tobacco helps you become a talent." The reason is the school was built with money from China Tobacco.

The controversial signboards have given rise to a debate on whether tobacco manufacturers should be allowed to sponsor education. Some strongly oppose it because they believe that it is against the stipulation that no cigarettes be sold to youngsters under the age of 18. By inserting such words as tobacco in the title of schools, cigarette manufacturers are actually promoting smoking among children.