Since early 2020, Hong Kong, like other countries and regions all over the world, has been severely affected by the COVID-19. As the pandemic continues to worsen, the children and families we serve are facing unprecedented challenges in their study, daily life, and family income. Due to the economic downturn, many parents have been forced to take no-pay leave, reduce their working hours, or even face unemployment. They have been hit by the double blow of a sudden fall in income and a surge in expenses due to the need to buy supplies to protect themselves and their families against infection. Parents are also bearing the increased pressure of childcare due to the prolonged school suspension. Therefore, we have arranged suitable services and sought different resources in the community, to provide timely support and meet the demands of children and families during this tumultuous time.

We hereby sincerely thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club and Rusy & Purviz Shroff Charitable Foundation for their donation, which has enabled us to purchase food packs, anti-pandemic supplies packs, and parent-child games packs for families in need. This help has greatly reduced their economic pressure and enhanced parent-child relationships through such activities as making crafts together at home.

We are also very grateful to Cathay Pacific, for their donation of tablets to support children’s online learning. As schools are increasingly moving their learning online, basic electronic equipment and stable network connection have become essential to students.

Importantly, our social workers and tutors have been strengthening the connection with parents during the pandemic, with a view to better understanding the needs of children and their parents and therefore providing corresponding emotional and homework tutoring support. They have also produced educational and parent-child interactive videos, launched online storytelling, and held developmental groups online, to facilitate the continuation of learning at home.

With support from the community and the efforts of our team, we believe that we can provide stronger support to our children and families and walk together during the pandemic!

Link to: Distributing protective materials and food, and providing online learning and financial support to help grassroots families during pandemic

Tao Chan, Service Director