HaPe builds schools in China
By Staff -- Playthings, 4/22/2008 4:32:00 PM
SHERWOOD PARK, Alberta—Representatives from HaPe and Chinese government officials participated in commemoration ceremonies in late March for two schools funded and built by the toy manufacturer in a particularly remote section of the country.
Located in Guizhou province, just north of the Vietnam border, the schools will provide classroom facilities for students who live in one of China’s least developed provinces, according to HaPe. Peter Handstein (pictured), the company’s founder and president, noted that the new teaching facilities will simplify classroom access for up to 500 young students ages 5 to 10.
“It is impossible not to be impressed by the enthusiasm of these children, as well as their eagerness to learn,” Handstein said. “Prior to construction of the new schools, many of them walked up to three hours a day—through astonishingly rugged terrain—to attend classes. It is my hope that our company’s contributions and support will provide the communities with a more rewarding learning experience, and help prepare them for the future.”
“This is a country of contrasts and constant change,” Handstein said of China. “Some provinces are light years ahead of others in terms of progress, but the dedication of the students in both of these communities is impressive, and I’m hoping our efforts will reward them with an education that helps prepare each student for the dynamic changes that are going on throughout China.”
The schools are located in Xingren, approximately 1,500 miles west of HaPe’s headquarters in Ningbo. It was a five-day trip involving travel by bus, plane and all-terrain vehicles to even get there from Ningbo.
Opening ceremonies for both schools were marked by performances of singing and dancing by local children, firework displays, and tributes by local and national government officials. The school in Xingren was named in honor of Maria Handstein, Peter Handstein’s grandmother. A second school located nearby will be completed in May 2008 and was dedicated to the memory of Doris Leisenring, grandmother to Beatrice Boehme, general manager of HaPe in Germany.
