Ho Yeow Sun Opens Fourth School in Henan, China
(October 2007)
International pop star Ho Yeow Sun (also known as Sun Ho) is active
in her profession as both recording artist and humanitarian. Even
after gaining significant success in both the Asian and western
music scene, the philanthropist at heart has recently extended her
charitable causes into China. Over the past few years, the singer
has been channeling her album royalties into building schools in
various outskirts of the country.
For someone who believes in the importance of education, especially
for the younger generation, Suns aim of contributing to the
ongoing education in China remains clear and focused. To date, she
has built four schools in China: Chong Qing, Gui Zhou, Liao Ning
(where she also sponsored a computer lab) and Henan.
Her most recent project took place in Henan Province where her
donation of RMB$350,000 (S$70,000) went into building a new block
of classrooms for an existing primary school in Sha Ping village,
which is located in the town of Liu Dian within Luo Yang county.
The population here consists of just 3,300 people, most of whom
have little or no formal education. The average annual salary of a
villager is about RMB$1,500 (S$300).
The primary school was originally constructed in 1989 and had a
capacity of 516 students in 12 classes. But due to a lack of
architectural expertise during building, cracks started to appear
and problems of water leakage also ensued. The rundown building
began to pose danger to teachers and pupils, and was subsequently
classified as D-grade.
Hence, the authorities in Liu Dian proposed to improve the current
conditions of the school which prompted the singer to do something
for the people in that village.
With careful planning and close collaboration with the relevant
authorities, Suns altruistic efforts paid off in October at the
official opening ceremony, six months after construction began in
April this year. Among the list of luminaries who graced the event
were Hu Guang Kun (China Communist Party Luoyang Municipal Party
Committee Member), Zong Ting Xuan (Vice-Chairman of Luoyang
Political Consultative Committee), Wang Zi Wen (Mayor of Ruyang
Municipal Peoples Government), Tong Yu Peng (Deputy Mayor of
Ruyang Municipal Peoples Government), Zong Yan Xuan (Chairman of
Luo Yang Municipality Political Consultative Committee) and other
officials from Ru Yang County and Liu Dian Rural Administrative
Division.
The new building covers a total gross area of 1,530sqm. It boasts
16 classrooms over three levels which can accommodate up to 800
students, thus being able to increase its yearly intake from now
on. With the schools expanded facilities, the move will benefit
some 900 families in the village. On top of the additional
classrooms, the construction project also includes the purchase of
teaching facilities such as library resources and multimedia
teaching equipment.
