Programs
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
2015/16 First Trial
Inspired by international successful examples, HKU and PoKwong School collaboratively introduce the first phase of Project GO in 2015/16. ASD students with special interests in transportation were selected to join the programme; meanwhile HKU recruited student volunteer carefully in matching mutual needs. Activities included outing (bus ride), art-making, and transportation board games. Interaction based on 1:1 communication; ASD students were encouraged to talk through their interests towards transportation under pressure-free environment.
From this pilot trial, we saw amazing chemicals developed between ASD students and volunteers. Certainly, we also observed improvement among students. We gained experience in many aspects and has already planned to have a second year.
2016/17 Second Year Implementation
We learned from the first-year experience and reframed the programme into a small-group-outing programme. Second year, we recruited 25 HKU volunteers and maintained the 1:1 ratio. Volunteers were trained before meeting the students. ASD students were divided into groups of 3-4 and each group is supervised by a school teacher.
2017/18 Public Inclusive
Built on the past two years experience, we have evolved to include volunteer from not only university but also corporate groups. This school year, we received a donation and voluntary services from Orient Securities Co., Ltd. The service period was half a year and twice a month. We prepared a thorough presentation for interested corporates to explain the whole project and possible difficulties. Such efforts are going to extend to different collaboration opportunities in the future.