Yew Chung International School serves community with early childhood education expertise

The sessions began in April for parents, and provide valuable insights on how best to support children in achieving key learning milestones.

Professional advice is given to equip parents with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the incredible journey of raising a child -and the challenges that always entails.

The topics covered in such workshops range from sensory play and introducing phonics to the essentials of positive parenting and guiding young children with confidence. Each session is informative and enlightening.

The second initiative is Community Play, and it sees YCIS ECE opening its campus in Tseung Kwan O to the public. This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy use of the space, the child-friendly facilities, and engage in sensory experiences.

The spacious campus, which is at Savannah Place, covers a total area of approximately 20,000 square feet, which allows children to play freely and explore without limitations.

After registering, members of the public can visit designated areas from the open physical activity field to the library area or the children’s kitchen.

For YCIS, this is a way to show their care for and commitment to the community and to share with others.

The third of the initiatives is Yew Chung Home-School-Community HKJC “CoolPlay” Project. It has already benefited more than 2,000 young children and, in the latest phase, the target is to reach up to 50,000.

Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and jointly organised by YCCEC and the Vocational Training Council (VTC) since 2020, the scheme has two main objectives. It provides opportunities for young children to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and it empowers teachers and parents to guide them in learning through play.

Through being introduced to innovation and technology, children develop a STEM mindset which helps them solve problems and deal with new challenges.

Having achieved exceptional results so far, the new four-year phase of the project will be scaled up from individual schools to reach out to grassroots communities in seven districts – Kwun Tong, Kwai Tsing, Wong Tai Sin, North District, Sham Shui Po, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long.

The project will use cutting-edge research in integrating STEM and play-based learning and will teach critical thinking skills from a young age.

The intention now is to work with up to 400 kindergartens, giving young learners a strong foundation for their future academic studies and personal development.

Also, by fostering collaboration between educators, parents and the community, the project can create a supportive ecosystem and inspire a love for learning among children.

This is done too with YCCECE’s living lab - the Pamela Peck Discovery Space (PPDS) – which promotes “learning through play” pedagogy and is open to all children in Hong Kong up to the age of eight. It is a specialist play space on campus,  designed for children from birth to 8 and their families. PPDS is open to the public and for all children in Hong Kong regardless of socioeconomic background, ethnicity, individual abilities or other diverse needs.

Yew Chung remains committed to its mission of inspiring children to become future leaders. This philosophy extends beyond the boundaries of Yew Chung and extends into the wider community through sharing, caring, and serving. By actively engaging with the community, Yew Chung aims to have a positive impact on the development and growth of children, and contribute to the betterment of Hong Kong.

Details of the upcoming workshop in the Empowering Parents Series:

*Children under the age of 5 are welcome to explore our playground in the company of an adult during the workshop.

Details of the next Community Play sessions are as follows: 
Date: 25 May, 1 June, 8 June, 15 June, 22 June
Time: 10:00am to 11:00 am
Cost: Free of charge
Quota: 15 children per session (2-5 years old).
Venue:    YCIS ECE Tseung Kwan O Campus, 1/F, Savannah Place, 3 Chi Shin Street
Enquiry phone: 3758 4112

Remarks: Please note that each child must be accompanied by an adult, who is responsible for their safety and well-being during the session.