"EdUHK CARES" – promote Caring, Appreciation, Respect and Empathy
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) Centre for Religious and Spirituality Education (CRSE), in strategic partnership with the Lee Hysan Foundation (LHF), proudly hosted an Award Presentation Ceremony on 18 November 2024 to honour the achievements of the "Caring, Appreciation, Respect and Empathy Scheme" (EdUHK CARES). Launched in 2022, this initiative aligns with the Education Bureau (EDB) to promote four essential values: Care, Appreciation, Respect, and Empathy (collectively known as "CARE").
Distinguished guests at the event included Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK and Director of CRSE; Ms Cecilia Ho, President; Mr Clifford Chow, Vice President, both from the LHF, Mrs Julie Ma, Principal of St Stephen’s College; Ms Lam Yuen-yin, Vice Principal of Shek Wu Hui Public School; Ms Mandy Au Yuen-yee, Executive Co-Director of CRSE; Professor Chen Junjun, Co-Director of CRSE; Mr Cheung Yung-pong, Project Manager of CRSE and Dr Ko Mo-lin, Professional Consultant of CRSE.
The "EdUHK CARES" programme is a comprehensive initiative that addresses both the theoretical and practical aspects of empathy. It includes Whole-School Enrichment Programs, consisting of 21 hours of training courses and immersive experience activities for both in-service and pre-service teachers. The programme also facilitates internships for EdUHK students at partner primary schools, enabling them to apply empathy principles in everyday life and within the school environment. Furthermore, it supports primary school students' participation in the "Dialogue in the Dark" interactive experience, fostering the development of correct values from an early age. These empathy-related courses have been integrated into the elective curriculum of general education, with the aim of providing ongoing benefits to more EdUHK students.
The ceremony commenced with a welcoming address from Professor Chen Junjun. Keynote speaker Mrs Julie Ma delivered an insightful presentation on "Building Empathy in Teenagers". Participants’ representatives, including Ms Lam Yuen-yin from in-service teachers’ community, with two student representatives Ms Diana Wong Yuen-sam , and Mr Zhang Zixi, shared their fruitful experiences throughout the programme, emphasising its impact on both in-service educators and students. The highlight of the event was the Award Presentation Ceremony, where Ms Cecilia Ho presented Student Awards to recognise the outstanding performance of the awardees in course assessments and their participation in the practicum. The ceremony concluded with Professor John Lee Chi-Kin presenting souvenirs to all guests.
The EdUHK CARES aims to promote the application of empathy, enabling both teachers and students to understand others' feelings, fostering an inclusive and harmonious campus environment, and enhancing the professional development of pre-service teachers.
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