EdUHK’s ‘School Aspire’ Launched to Expand Comprehensive Support for ASD Students and Families
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) ‘Project Aspire’, backed by a generous donation of HK$5 million from Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation, was officially renamed ‘School Aspire’ and launched at a grand opening ceremony on 25 October at Tseung Kwan O Study Centre, marking a significant milestone in services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Since its founding in 2004, Project Aspire has supported over 10,000 ASD students and their families in mainstream schools. With its new status as School Aspire, the initiative will extend its services to students with autism across kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and higher education institutions. The number of families supported annually is expected to double from 400 to 800.
Officiating guests at the ceremony included Ms Lydia Koo, Chair of Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation, Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, Professor May Cheng May-hung, Vice President (Academic) of EdUHK and Ms Cecilia Fok. Experts from the fields of education and autism, as well as alumni and parents connected to the School Aspire, also participated to celebrate the occasion.
In his opening address, Professor Lee explained School Aspire’s mission to create more learning and development opportunities for every student with ASD, enabling them to thrive in society. “By offering higher-quality support for students with ASD, we aim to help them unlock their strengths and explore a world of possibilities.” he remarked. Professor Lee also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation for its generous donation, noting that this funding is not just financial but a testament to trust and hope towards the University.
Professor May Cheng added, “The word ‘Aspire’ refers to our belief that every child is a flower, aspiring to bloom.”
In her speech, Ms Sonia Wong Hoi-ying, Senior Trust Relationship Manager of HSBC Trustee (Hong Kong) Limited, spoke on behalf of Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation, “Since its establishment in 2010, Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation has focused on children with special educational needs and their families, tirelessly providing various forms of support and donations—including learning resources for students, support for families, and initiatives to enhance the career development of teenagers.” She expressed the hope that School Aspire will empower students and young people of different abilities to embark on a journey towards a brighter future, while also fostering greater understanding and awareness within society, thereby promoting genuine inclusion.
Ms Grace Lai Shing-yan, Executive Director of School Aspire, shared its vision of establishing a supportive network where every student with ASD can thrive in a nurturing environment and express their individuality. Ms Lai noted that kindness is at the heart of all meaningful relationships. By fostering empathy among students, parents and the wider community, every student can feel truly valued and included. School Aspire’s curriculum provides tailored support for students with ASD and their families, while offering inclusive activities for mainstream primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong. Through these initiatives, it is hoped that all students will gain a better understanding of ASD from an early age, helping to dispel misconceptions and create genuinely inclusive school communities.
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