Support! International Foundation
| Founded | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Joseph Wan |
| Type | Education |
| Focus | Education |
| Location |
|
Area served | Hong Kong |
Key people | Joseph Wan (founder and president) |
| Website | http://www.supportlearning.org/ |
Support! International Foundation (also known as Support! Hong Kong) is a global youth-led education non-government organisation in Hong Kong dedicated to bringing educational programmes to different communities in need. It has grown to 6 sites operating 9 programmes, each initiated, led and maintained by young leaders. Their mission is to create opportunities and foster connections for individuals from all backgrounds within communities, under the guiding principle and firm belief that young people are tomorrow’s leaders.[1]
History
Support! International Foundation was founded in 2014 by Joseph Wan. Joseph was inspired to start his own non-government organisation after learning about his father’s successful rise from humble beginnings to company chief. He told South China Morning Post, “My dad grew up very poor in Hong Kong’s notorious public housing, with nine siblings squished in. His parents could only afford education until secondary school. But my dad really loved learning, and didn’t want to give up so soon. So, he worked hard in factories and construction sites until the age of 23, when he could finally afford just one year at university in the UK. He ventured off to the UK and worked a night job just to get by. Now, he is director of a multinational engineering consultancy. This showed me that education really made a difference, which is why my organisation is so education focused.”[2]
Though based in Hong Kong, Support International Foundation has expanded its operations to Seoul, Washington, D.C., Hangzhou and Taiwan. The organisation’s overseas projects are being facilitated by Joseph’s former school friends, who have returned to their home countries after studying in Hong Kong.[3]
It was founded under three pillars:
Mutual learning
Support! International Foundation aims to create a mutual learning environment and help each other become better through their programs.
Youth leadership
Support! International Foundation has a number of young volunteers, from instructor to leadership roles. They believe that it is their responsibility to give back to the community, and that it is important for young people to use opportunities to grow as individuals, as well as members of society.
Communities
Support! International Foundation aims to help out the people of Hong Kong in need, such as children who are disregarded and not given as many opportunities to flourish.[4]
Programmes
The organisation runs classes for both children and adults in sport, debate, oral and written English, interviewing, counselling etc.[5]
Debating and critical thinking programme
The Debating and Critical Thinking program is Support! Hong Kong's inaugural programme. It started operating a debate program at Tak Oi Secondary School in 2014. The style of debate taught at this site is consistent with the World Schools Style debating format. Students participate in internal debates, discussions and lectures that aim to strengthen their English skills. There are 40 students participating in this program, with 6 instructors teaching on site.[6]
Environmental studies programme
The Environmental Studies Programme is hosted at Aberdeen Technical School, Support!HK’s second site. This program looks at sustainability and the environment, through an interactive project where students learn how to be sustainable and how to design and run an efficient city. Keeping with the goal of helping students improve both spoken and written English skills, the entire program is taught in English. There are 36 students participating in this program with 4 instructors teaching on site.[7]
Oral and written English programme
The Oral & Written English Programme is operated in partnership with The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong. It is hosted at the Australian International School and hosts 3 English-related programs for its beneficiaries, who range from upper primary, up to high school students. All three programs centralise on the idea of improving the students’ English, both oral and written, through innovative methods of teaching. Digital learning, drama, and arts & crafts are used to make learning more interesting for the children.[8]
Social relevance programme
The Social Relevance Programme is hosted at Man Kiu College and is a program focusing on current-events, international relations as well as domestic affairs. Students participate in and contribute to multiple round table discussions. By having talking about and carefully evaluating social issues and current affairs, students will improve their speaking skills and catalyse their English abilities.[9]
English-in-Action programme
The English-in-Action Programme is hosted at the Singapore International School. The programs are run for DHL maintenance and front-line operations staff and their children. There are three programs run there, one for the adults, and two for the children. The adult students participate in a course where they strengthen their oral English skills by using them in real-life situations. The two programs for the kids focus on building their English skills, as well as sports education. The children participate in hands-on and fun activities, to make their learning enjoyable.[10]
Sports & English learning programme
The Sports & English Learning Programme is hosted at the Chinese International School. It hosts two programs that entail sports and English. The students, who are children of the cleaning staff at CIS, are put through an intensive course where they immerse themselves in a pure, English-speaking environment.[11]
References
- ↑ Daniel Hsing. "About - Support! Intl Foundation". Supportlearning.org. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Rachel Blundy (2016-6-17). "Meet the 16-year-old schoolboy who wants to redefine Hong Kong | South China Morning Post". Scmp.com. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Rachel Blundy (2016-6-17). "Meet the 16-year-old schoolboy who wants to redefine Hong Kong | South China Morning Post". Scmp.com. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Daniel Hsing. "About - Support! Intl Foundation". Supportlearning.org. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Jia Wong (2015-09-28). "Youth-led education charity encourages disadvantaged groups to join their initiative". Hongkong.coconuts.co. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Daniel Hsing. "Debating & Critical Thinking Programme - Support! Intl Foundation". Supportlearning.org. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Daniel Hsing. "Environmental Studies Programme - Support! Intl Foundation". Supportlearning.org. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Daniel Hsing. "Oral & Written English Programme - Support! Intl Foundation". Supportlearning.org. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Daniel Hsing. "Social Relevance Programme - Support! Intl Foundation". Supportlearning.org. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Daniel Hsing. "English-in-Action Programme - Support! Intl Foundation". Supportlearning.org. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
- ↑ Daniel Hsing. "Sports & English Learning Programme - Support! Intl Foundation". Supportlearning.org. Retrieved 2016-11-26.