Disneyland and Habitat for Humanity bring village school a learning wonderland (August 26, 2011 – Hong Kong) It‟s back to school! Time and teachers and students are revving up for the new school year starting in September. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Habitat for Humanity China also joined hands to create a learning wonderland at a village school, namely Yuk Yin School, in Sheung Shui, through building a covered outdoor reading corner and upgrading hardware in the computer room. Today‟s event serves to introduce the students to these new resources and learning experiences. “Our Resort never stops supporting families and children with various resources. It is my pleasure to introduce students to this learning wonderland, produced by the Disney VoluntEARS with the support of Disney Children‟s Fund and Habitat for Humanity,” said Noble Coker, Vice President of Park Operations. „Your Learning Wonderland in a Village School‟ is a winning project of a program organized by Habitat for Humanity China and supported by Disney Children‟s Fund. Kester Yim, Managing Director of Habitat for Humanity China, pointed out, “We are very excited about the completion of the project which provides the students of Yuk Yin School with new facilities for happier learning. The ultimate goal of the program is to let students realize the fun of learning by optimizing better quality facilities that also promote creativity.” Students, teachers and Disney VoluntEARS were led by Theron Skees, Director of Creative Development & Show Quality Standards, and the Walt Disney Imagineering team have brought their magical creativity to the school by spending time painting a mural at the campus. The joyful painting displays children of different races as it makes the campus more colorful than ever. Theron Skees thinks Imagineering magic should not be restricted to the Park, but should also be shared the students and teachers at events such as this. Skees said, “The core message of this colorful painting is world peace. Children of different races also have bright smiles and our Imagineers hope that the campus will be a cheerful and eye-opening place full of magical happiness.” Seeing the facilities upgraded at the school, Mr. Hung, a teacher currently in his18th year at Yuk Yin School, said with joy, “The campus is another home for our students and teachers. Now we can enjoy school life more as this place is filled with color and joy. Our village school looks ordinary, but it is in fact full of warmth and love and the care among students and teacher never fades. It is my wish to build a better home for my students.” Witnessing the completion of the mural, covered reading corner and computer room, students expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their efforts. Students Cheung Cheuk-lun and Mak Ka-wai exclaimed, “We could never have imagined such a beautiful mural. It is spectacular! It was previously so noisy and dangerous trying to read next to the sports ground in the past and risking being hit by basketball. It is also amazing to see that so many people have united to help us and produced this learning wonderland here.” -ends-
About Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Hong Kong Disneyland Resort offers immersive, unique Disney experiences for all families, generations and ages to enjoy. Hong Kong is one of only five locations in the world that is home to a Disney themed park and the many Disney characters that are beloved the world over, such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Stitch and Buzz Lightyear. Since the Resort was opened in September 2005, it has received over 25 million guests from around the globe. Through the unique product offering and the world-class service provided by the 5,000-strong Cast at the theme park and the two hotels, the Resort has received outstanding guest satisfaction ratings and a range of awards from the hospitality and entertainment sectors. Hong Kong Disneyland is dedicated to serving Hong Kong people through a wide spectrum of community services programs from helping those in need to encouraging the protection of the environment in the region. If you want to know more about us and want to enjoy a unique magical experience, visit us or click on to www.hongkongdisneyland.com for more information. For the latest news and photos from Hong Kong Disneyland, please visit our media website at: www.hongkongdisneyland.com/news About Habitat for Humanity China Habitat for Humanity China was established in 2000 and merged its operations in Hong Kong and China into a single entity in 2006. The move aimed to leverage on the resources and business acumen of Asiaâ€&#x;s premier international city to promote Habitatâ€&#x;s mission of providing decent housing for those in need in the worldâ€&#x;s largest developing economy. Habitat for Humanity China currently works in Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Shanghai and Yunnan Provinces in China, as well as in Hong Kong. About Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is an international non-government organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 500,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2.5 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org and www.habitatchina.org.
For media enquiries, please contact: Genesis Lee Associate Manager, Media Relations Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Tel: 3550-2335/ 9020-6046 Fax: 3550-2383 Email: genesis.lee@disney.com
Jinny Chan Communications Manager Habitat for Humanity China Tel.: 2520 4018/ 6089 6952 Email: jinny@habitatchina.org
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