HATCH Winter Fun Day 2024: A Heartwarming Success in Empowering Caregivers and Children with Special Educational Needs

Date: 23 Nov 2024                                                      Venue: Hong Kong Science Park

HATCH is pleased to announce the resounding success of Winter Fun Day 2024, a special event dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers of children with special educational needs (SEN). Coming together on a Saturday, the event brought over 30 families, experienced professionals, and collaborating organizations for an enriching and inclusive experience.

A highlight of the event was the parallel workshops tailored for caregivers and SEN children. These engaging sessions not only facilitated learning and self-care but also fostered a sense of community and mutual understanding among participants. Serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment, the workshops provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the well-being of caregivers and children.

Prof. Sandra Chan from The Chinese University of Hong Kong led an engaging self-care workshop tailored for caregivers of children with speical educational needs.

Esteemed speakers including Prof. Sandra Chan, Dr. Oscar Wong, and Ms. Winsy Leung from The Chinese University of Hong Kong shared invaluable insights that resonated with caregivers. Their extensive knowledge and dedication to supporting families navigating unique challenges significantly enriched the event.

Dr. Oscar Wong from The Chinese University of Hong Kong shared invaluable insights about the relationship between gut-brain axis and children's mental health.

Caregivers engaged in themed sessions while their children explored hands-on activities that ignited creativity and collaboration. From crafting toys to making soap, candles, and art pieces under the guidance of facilitators, the atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter. Children of all abilities showcased their talents, cultivating a sense of appreciation for each individual’s uniqueness.

Children engaged in hands-on activities, demonstrated their creativity by using recycled materials to create their unique toys.

The success of the day was made possible through the generous support of collaborating organizations:  The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, The Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service Hong Kong, and Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. Their consistent commitment to empowering families and promoting inclusivity was instrumental in creating a nurturing environment for all participants.

Special recognition goes to the HATCH CATCHERs, who completed the Talent Development Programme earlier this year. Their dedication ensured the seamless execution of the event, reflecting their passion for positively impacting the future of SEN children and families.

Furthermore, heartfelt gratitude is extended to GenieBiome Limited for their generous contribution of products that enhanced the experience for participating families, adding a touch of joy and well-being to the event.

HATCH remains committed to collaborating with like-minded organizations and individuals to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for families with special educational needs. Winter Fun Day 2024 exemplified the transformative power of community, compassion, and collaboration, illustrating the potential to shape a brighter future for all children.

About HATCH:

HATCH, its full name being The D. H. Chen Foundation Hub of Advanced Technology for Child Health, was jointly established by the Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and growth partner and funder, The D. H. Chen Foundation. With our innovations in microbial diagnostics and replacement therapies, HATCH’s mission is to bring health and hope to our future generation through research, education, and community outreach.