World Reach - China

Educators from China learn from Heartspring

Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism in Beijing, China was founded by one woman; a mother who simply wanted to give her son with autism a chance. Since 1993 Tian “Hope” Huiping has given tens of thousands of children and their families the very same chance she wanted for her son. The first program of its kind in China, Stars and Rain has been working with families of children with autism, giving them the training and the knowledge to help each child become as independent as possible.

For two weeks Heartspring hosted three very special guests from the Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism. Mr. Scott Sun, Ms Wang “Susan” Xiuguing and Ms Sang “Sandra” Zhihong actively assisted with Heartspring’s preschool day camp for children with autism and other special needs, as well as observing therapies and classes at Heartspring Pediatric Services and Heartspring School. This marked the second year in a row specialists from Stars and Rain have come to Heartspring for training and observation.

“This will open our minds to know many things,” said Scott. Working with the staff at Heartspring, each member of Stars and Rain has a strengthened knowledge base to take back to China.

In Beijing Sandra and Susan work to educate parents of children with autism as part of an 11-week program at Stars and Rain. Formerly a teacher at Stars and Rain, Scott is now working in the development office raising funds for the organization. While at Heartspring he met with development specialists from Heartspring and WSU, gaining insight into fund raising tactics and learning more about creating meaningful donor relationships.

In 2005 Heartspring and Stars and Rain entered into a sister organization agreement which offers the opportunity for additional support through a cultural and informational exchange between Heartspring staff and the teachers at Stars and Rain.

“Heartspring is a worldwide center for children with special needs, and we are pleased to have such a mutually beneficial partnership with the Stars and Rain program,” said Gary Singleton, Heartspring President and CEO. “It is Heartspring’s goal that every child will have a chance, today and tomorrow, down the block and around the world, and it is through such relationships that we can reach out to children in need wherever they may be.”

During their stay in Wichita, Scott, Susan and Sandra had the opportunity to tour other organizations in the community that serve individuals with special needs. They spent many evenings in the homes of Heartspring staff members, experienced American cuisine, increased the revenue for many local shops and enjoyed a memorable night at the Wichita Wrangler’s baseball game where Scott had the honor of throwing out the first pitch.

It has been over 70 years since Dr. Martin Palmer first began his mission of helping children with disabilities achieve their full potential. Since 1934 Heartspring has been one of the nation’s top facilities serving children with special needs. Our charge originated in Wichita and has grown to help children across the nation and around the world. Heartspring experts have traveled to Europe and Asia, providing training to organizations that need our help. Teachers from other countries have looked to Heartspring and Wichita for education as they strive to better the lives of children in all corners of the globe – truly making Heartspring a worldwide center for children with special needs