Only two years since its launch, Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme has already seen positive results. Two hundred underprivileged students were funded to join extra-curricular activities in the past few months. The Programme has also received recognition and support from the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged so that new courses are offered to 120 more children this year, pushing the total donation to over HK$1 million and the number of benefiting students to 420.

Two hundred graduates were proud to showcase their talents at the Graduation Ceremony on 27 September 2008 by performing Wing Chun martial arts, English drama, rope skipping, acrobatics and playing Chinese musical instruments, flute and African drums. On-stage performance enabled them to share what they had learnt with their tutors and parents so as to boost their confidence and set an example for future participants.

The Programme is well received by the participants, with over 75% students considering the Programme helpful for developing their own interests and potential. Over 75% of them said their confidence had been enhanced and 90% of parents believed the Programme had provided practical help to their families.

"I watched people performing martial arts on TV, but never expected I would have a chance to learn it," a student participating in the Wing Chun Kung-fu class said. "The most exciting thing about Wing Chun is when I find myself able to break wood plates with a punch. This has really boosted my self-confidence. It would be great if I could continue with this class. I promise I would work hard on it."

Prudence Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Octopus Cards Limited, handed out awards to winners of the financial management game. Dr Michael Wong, Associate Professor of Department of Economics and Finance, City University of Hong Kong, gave an interactive financial management talk to the new participants on how to manage their spending wisely. Each child was given an Octopus wristband with a stored value of HK$100. They were encouraged to plan and manage their spending, providing them with a chance to practise what they had learned.

Go to St. James' Settlement's programme website (available in Chinese only)
Go back to Octopus Kids' Nurturing Programme