German couple helps hearing-impaired kids

Changsha (CNS) – A German couple has spent a decade helping Chinese kids with impaired hearing, ever since they settled down in Changsha of central China's Hunan Province in 2002.

If not born with a speaking disability, deaf children are often able to speak after receiving regular language training, the husband Wu Zhengrong (Chinese name) told CNS on February 16.

Wu had the initial idea to help deaf kids in poor Chinese families when he came to Changsha to do medical research in 1999. "I didn't want to come to Changsha at first, but now I love this place and the kids here." said his wife Du Xuhui (Chinese name). Teacher Du is the children's favorite at the recovery centers.

"The sooner kids receive language training, the better the results gained." said Du. The couple offers financial help to teach the kids to speak before they reach school age.

The aid comes from some warm-hearted Germans who have funded the training of over 400 kids across China. "We update donors in Germany regularly on the recovery conditions of the kids." said Wu, adding, "At present we can cover 40-percent of the expense of rehabilitation training for hearing-impaired kids."

In addition, to help hearing-impaired persons integrate into society, Wu opened a bakery in Changsha city. The bakery now has three employees with hearing impairments. "Maybe the salary is not so handsome, but enough for them to basically support themselves," he explained.