Lanzhou provides home service for elderly citizens

Local government officials in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, said they are spending about 1 million yuan ($133,000) this year to provide a home service to residents over 60 years old.

The service is intended to help those who are unable to work, are childless and have no income. It includes making dinner, washing clothes, cleaning the room, shopping and talking to the elderly residents.

(Lanzhou Evening News)

Japanese, pensioners plan Xi'an to Olympics hike

Five Japanese and 70 pensioners from Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, are planning a hike to Beijing next year for the Olympics.

Fujimaki Takayuki, 79, said he has been to Xi'an four times for walking activities since 1997. It takes 12 hours to travel from Xi'an to Beijing by train.

"For this visit I was accompanied by four elderly gentleman from Japan. I think it is a good way for us to keep healthy and promote friendship between our countries. We plan to walk from Xi'an to Beijing next year for the Olympics," Fujimaki said.

(Xi'an Evening News)

'80 percent of divorcing couples end up together'

A company that provides services for those wishing to divorce is actually in the business of reuniting couples, marriage expert and general manager of Xi'an Weiqing Company, Chen Sihan said.

"Every time a couple comes to our company intending to divorce we make a careful analysis of their marriage situation and help them resolve their problems. As a result we found that some 80 percent of the couples reunited," Chen said.

(Sanqin Daily)

Charity begins at school for these students

Students at Northwest University in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, plan to build a library for children at a school in Motuo County, the Tibet Autonomous Region.

"We learned from our teacher, Zhu Xiankun, who went there during the summer vacation that the children do not have enough books, so we want to do something for them," said Huang Yaping, one of the students who organized a donation for the Tibetan children.

The students have collected around 500 items of clothing, 300 books and 200 exercise books and will send their donation by the end of the month.

(Xi'an Evening News)

Mother finds more than friends for her child

A mother in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, has unintentionally established a parent exchange center after helping her daughter make friends.

"At first, I wanted to create more chances for my 8-year-old daughter to play and communicate with other children, so I asked my relatives and friends to take part in various activities. But I never thought it would end up becoming a parent exchange center," Qiao Qing said.

The center was established in May and it has more than 70 members. Parents exchange educational experiences and their children take part in activities.

"Our children are happy because of the exchange, as parents have learned how to get along with their children better," Qiao said.

(www.xawb.com)

(China Daily 10/18/2007 page4)