17 April 2010

Nurturing Programme Equips Needy Children with Other Learning Experiences
for the New Senior Secondary Academic Curriculum

(Hong Kong, 17 April 2010) Local schoolchildren from underprivileged families are facing additional financial challenges with the introduction of Liberal Studies and Other Learning Experiences under the New Senior Secondary (NSS) Academic Curriculum. Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme not only helps unleash the potential of needy children, but also equips them with extra-curricular learning experiences as required by the NSS curriculum. According to a survey conducted by St. James' Settlement in March, over 90% of parents agreed that the Programme effectively helped to bring out the potential of their children, 85% said it built successful experiences for their kids, and 95% hope their children will continue to take part in the extra-curricular activities.

The Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme is co-organised by Octopus Cards Limited and St. James' Settlement to help underprivileged students develop their talents through participation in extra-curricular activities. Since its inception in 2007, the Programme, together with a matching grant from the Social Welfare Department's Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged, has allocated over HK$1.4 million and subsidised more than 560 needy children in 21 types of extra curricular activities, covering lion dances, African drums, musical instruments, ceramics making and martial arts classes.

Michael Lai, Chief Executive of St. James' Settlement, said, "We are pleased to witness the positive impact brought about by the Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme. We have specially arranged a sharing platform today for the children to showcase their achievements on stage. The Programme has helped prepare the children for the NSS curriculum as it covers extra-curricular activities, financial management workshops, outdoor activities and stage performances. We believe the participating children are now better equipped with the essential skills to face future challenges."

A graduation ceremony for the 2009-2010 Programme took place in the auditorium of the Duke of Windsor Social Services Building on 17 April in which 140 children from seven schools staged a series of performances and shared their achievements with the guests and parents. One of the children said, "My family can't afford the enrolment fee for music classes and so I wasn't able to join before. So I was thrilled and signed up immediately when I learnt that the Programme can subsidise me to take percussion classes."

One of the parents commented that the Programme had realised her child's potential and improved his self-esteem. "I'm delighted to see him perform on stage. Paying for the music classes is a real financial burden to me. Every time my son practises with a plastic pot at home, I hope the Programme can continue and help needy children to realise their potential."

Selina Chong, Sales and Marketing Director of Octopus Cards Limited, said, "As a company with its roots in Hong Kong, Octopus takes pride in contributing to the local community, particularly in nurturing our young children. We care about the development of our next generation and are delighted to help them unleash their potential. While Octopus will continue to contribute, we trust that the participating children will treasure every learning opportunity and try their very best to achieve their goals. In addition, we are glad to receive voluntary support from our employees; altogether they have contributed 2,400 hours in voluntary service over the past three years."

Connie Ka-lai Ho, one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons and ex-member of the Hong Kong Fencing Team, was invited to share her road to success and give encouragement to the children at the ceremony, "Opportunities never come easily. We should cherish every moment and opportunity in life. Once we have identified our goal, we should persist and do our best to achieve it. This is what makes our life meaningful."

Fast facts about the Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme

St James' website: http://sjsgia.org.hk/octopus/
Octopus website: http://www.octopus.com.hk/caring-for-the-community/octopus-kids-nurturing-programme/en/index.html

Photo description:

1. Selina Chong, Sales and Marketing Director of Octopus Cards Limited(left), receives a handmade gift from a student representative and Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer of St. James' Settlement (right), at the graduation ceremony of the Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme held on 17 April 2010.



2. Graduates of the Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme in a group photo with (from left) Connie Ka-lai Ho, ex-member of the Hong Kong Fencing Team; Dr Yue Kwok-to, member of the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged Advisory Committee; Selina Chong, Sales and Marketing Director of Octopus Cards Limited; Michael Lai, Chief Executive Officer of St. James' Settlement and Katherine Lee, Headmistress of Asbury Methodist Primary School at the graduation ceremony held on 17 April 2010.



3. Students from Hong Kong Student Aid Society Primary School staged a Chinese dance performance during the graduation ceremony of Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme. 

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