(23 February 2019, Hong Kong) NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings” or “the Group”; Hong Kong stock code: 659) is launching a new community programme, “Catch Your 5**”, in partnership with The Salvation Army. This encourages children with special educational needs (“SEN”) to celebrate their talents and strengthen their sense of accomplishment through training like African drumming, playing shadow puppetry and ukulele. The programme also supports the children’s families, and increases public understanding of people with SEN through various activities. The programme kicked off today as part of NWS Caring Day 2019, with around 130 corporate volunteers organizing the “Star Catching Journey” for nearly 200 students with SEN and their parents. The event boosts the children’s self-care skills and helps them build a positive mind-set through a range of fun, educational games.
“As we expand our business throughout the Greater China Region, we are keenly aware of our responsibility to be a force for good,” said Eric Ma, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Sustainability Committee of NWS Holdings. “That’s why we foster a caring culture among our staff, mobilising corporate volunteers to take part in a range of social services. Today, we are all delighted to see participants start to reveal their talents and build a more positive future of their own.”
Catch Your 5** programme takes its name from the top “5**” grade achievable in public exams. The two-year programme aims to nurture the non-academic talents of children with SEN, with the support of social workers and corporate volunteers, so these children can strive for a “5**” achievement of their own. The programme also delivers training for parents, who provide life-long mentoring for the children. The scheme has also partnered with local illustration character Dustykid in its public engagement activities. A New World First Bus featuring Dustykid has recently debuted to carry the message of care for children with SEN to reach out to the wider community.
Major Tommy Chan, General Secretary of The Salvation Army said: “Too often, there’s a focus on outstanding academic results at the expense of other fantastic achievements, and this is difficult for children with SEN, who often struggle academically. We believe that with sufficient support and guidance, children with SEN can let their own talents shine, and feel confident about their achievements. We would like to thank NWS Holdings for this collaboration with The Salvation Army, providing an opportunity for children with SEN to develop their talents, and promoting positive education.”
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NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings”, Hong Kong stock code: 659) is the infrastructure and service flagship of New World Development Company Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 17). It has diverse businesses and investments predominantly in Hong Kong and Mainland China, comprising toll roads, environmental management, port and logistics facilities, rail container terminals, commercial aircraft leasing, facilities management, healthcare services, construction and public transport. Please visit www.nws.com.hk for details.
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