WINTER WARMTH

THE PROBLEM

During the coldest months in Rural Henan, China, the average temperature can drop to as low as -20˚C. Due to difficulties in acquiring government funding, many of the schools do not have the financial abilities to pay for new and working heaters that will keep the students warm during the cold winters. In fact, 100% of the schools around the town of Huang Bei don’t have access to heating or cooling systems. Additionally, most families lack the financial ability to pay for thicker clothing for winter. And Henan being the province with one of the most difficult educational systems in China, most students are pressured to keep attending school without proper clothing and heating systems, potentially causing poor health.

WHAT WE DID

By applying for the Jim Handrich Service Leadership Endowed Fund at Hong Kong International School, we acquired $4,000 HKD to donate 120 winter jackets for the students at Huang Bei Primary School. Successfully allowing 100% of the student body in Huang Bei Primary School to be able to attend school even through the cold weather.

This project would not have happened if not for the James Handrich fund. Thus, we want to express that we are very thankful to be given this opportunity for the fund!

Mini-Project: Printer

Additionally, during the winter, we learned that the school’s sole printer broke, causing many difficulties in printing out homework and, more importantly, tests for the students. Without funding, the school was unable to get a replacement, ultimately, causing negative impact on the student’s learnings. Therefore, Vision Village began the mini project. We collected funds from various donations hoping to raise enough money for the school to buy a new printer. After collecting donations, we were finally able to buy a new printer and delivered it to the school.