Fairy Kiddo Project Won
"Outstanding Partnership Project Award 2007/2008"

Seedlings nurtured with knowledge to change destiny

Accentuating a common belief in "knowledge changes destiny", HAC and NWS Holding Limited combined forces and launches a Fairy Kiddo project in 2004. Through a series of reading, writing and stimulating activities, the project aimed at fostering a reading habit in underprivileged children, honing creativity, enhancing language ability and knowledge, and ultimately boosting self-confidence. The project won the "Outstanding partnership Project Award"granted by Hong Kong Council of Social Service for two consecutive years.

Children explore the world through a multitude of perspectives and they are capable of accomplishment in a variety of areas. Ms. May Wong, Executive Director of HAC, said, "Driven by virtue and creativity, plus an inquisitive mind supported by sufficient guidance and inspiration, children create a unique childhood that consequently shapes their adult life."The Fairy Kiddo project was originally conceived as a story-reading workshop through which Fairy Kiddos paired with volunteers of NWS Volunteer Alliance who helped build their vocabulary repertoire and general knowledge, explained Maria Cheung, Corporate Communication Senior Manager of NWS Holdings. "To further exploit Fairy Kiddos' strengths and harness their thinking ability and ingenuity, the charitable due were set to publish a compilation of Fairy Kiddos' creative works, giving these children a greater sense of achievement. These work subsequently compiled into a stage performance "Fairy Villa". Through the drama, they learnt great deal from each other, friendship were therefore enhanced.

Volunteer Lai Chun Tung, who was much admired by the Fairy Kiddos shared, "These young children were rather shy and aloof when we first met. I shared with them my experience in bus driving and my family life. Resilience and love eventually paid dividends and forge a closer relationship between us. Before long, we found ourselves greeting each other with a hug, and that's when they started to call me "Octopus", which has now become my official alias."

Cheung Pak Kin, a 12 years old member of HAC, joined the program three years ago. He was grateful to join the various programs including drama performance, as he learnt "team spirit"in the process. He was also elected as "The best Fairy Kiddo"among the group. Later on, members got the chance to visit mentally handicapped people. Kin expressed, "Being able to help people made me feel content, I will definitely continue to serve the community when I see the chance."

Over the past three years, 30 Fairy Kiddos from HAC have participated in the project, developing both physically and mentally under the guidance of dedicated volunteers. Obvious changes encompass an increase in self-esteem, and a growing interest in reading and creativity. In addition, visits to NWS Holdings' restricted business units such as New World First Bus deport and the nursery in Hong Kong Island Landscape have also proved to be life-enriching experiences.

Representatives of HAC and NWSH got the Outstanding Partnership Project Award 2007-2008 from Mr. Henry Tang, Chief Secretary for Administration of SAR government.	For last three years, HAC has been working closely with NWSH to serve the needy
Fairy Kiddo joins volunteer visit	Volunteer from HWSH participates in children paired reading service
Children are impressed by the experience got from stage performance

HAC won the award of "Outstanding Partnership Project" - Year 2006-2007