Press Release
News for You from HaPe
April 22, 2008
HaPe Builds Two Schools in Poorest Province of China
Representatives from HaPe in North America, China and Germany just returned from an amazing 3,000 mile roundtrip journey to dedicate two schools funded by HaPe in Guizhou, the poorest province in China. Our trip by bus, plane, four-wheel-drive vehicles, foot and even a suspension bridge was simply spectacular.
On our way we discovered and marvelled at the Chinese landscape. The incredible mountains, picture-perfect rice paddies and roaring waterfalls were no match for the smiles and energy of the Xingren village children.
To view a press release about our China adventure visit:
http://www.hapetoys.com/PDFs/Toy_Maker_Funds_and_Builds_Two_Schools.pdf
Some provinces in China are lightyears ahead of others in terms of progress. Hape chose to impact change by contributing funds to build schools close to Xingren in Guizhou, the "sister" province of Zheinjiang, of which Ningbo is a part. (HaPe is located on the east coast of China in Ningbo.) The Xingren terrain is 90% mountains and children typically walk 2-3 hours to attend school each day.
What do Chinese Children Want to Know About the West
"Do Western children like to study?" That was one of the first 
questions asked by fourth graders in Xingren. Studying seemed to be the favorite pastime of most students in the classroom we visited.
They also wanted to know what children in
the West hoped to become when they grew up. We just happened to be in a room of prospective teachers, doctors, engineers and inventors.
And, of course, food was on the mind of everyone. When we shared that pizza, hamburgers and french fries were favored here, they responded unanimously with "rice" as their favorite dish.
We have a library of photos from our trip. If you are interested in learning more about this effort contact:
Robin Lehnert, Marketing Manager
email: robin@hapetoys.com or phone: 1-262-227-8949.
In This Issue
- HaPe Builds Two Schools
- Why a School and why Xingren?
- What do Chinese children want to know about Western children?
- Remarkable Women Honored
Maggie Qiu, GM of HaPe North America takes a question from a student.
Each of the schools were dedicated to special people in the lives of Peter Handstein and Beatrice Boehm, GM of HaPe, Germany. The new schools honor Maria Handstein, grandmother of Peter and Doris Leichsenring, grandmother of Beatrice.