Date: December 30, 2023 Location: Sha Tin Town Hall
The family-friendly musical production "Dim Sum Power Up," organized by HATCH, concluded its special session for SEN (Special Educational Needs) children and their families with great success. This event aimed to bridge the gap for SEN children in the realm of culture and art, providing them with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the enchantment and delight of the theatrical arts. Over 120 parents and children, totalling 30 families, attended the performance on that evening.
We conclude this event by taking a group photo.
The main objective of this event was to offer children with SEN and their caregivers an authentic experience of live performances in a stress-free and enjoyable setting, known as a "relaxed performance". To ensure participants could fully engage in the performance within a comfortable environment, we collaborated closely with the troupe during the planning phase. Various adjustments were meticulously made, including lighting and sound effects, seating arrangements, the establishment of a designated cool-down area, and more relaxed venue protocols. Recognizing that some children might feel nervous or anxious in an unfamiliar environment, we made thorough preparations in advance. These included providing dim sum-shaped stress relief balls and glow sticks, encouraging parents' active involvement, and offering on-site assistance from helpers if required. These dedicated efforts enabled the children to overcome their challenges, resulting in nearly all of them being able to sit comfortably and delight in the full 90-minute spectacular performance. This achievement is undeniably commendable.
The actors delivered an outstanding performance for SEN children and families.
Furthermore, caregivers of SEN children often encounter difficulties concerning their dietary preferences. Through the food-themed performance, children had the opportunity to explore Chinese dim sum from a fresh perspective, igniting their curiosity. This experience will facilitate their acceptance of new foods, contributing to their gut health and overall development in the future. The event not only provided the children with an unforgettable evening but also offered them a chance to challenge themselves, which will greatly benefit their long-term growth.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizations that supported this event, including our Growth Partner and Funder, The D. H. Chen Foundation, GenieBiome as the generous sponsor, The Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, and The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong Clinical Psychology Support Service as the supporting organizations. We also express our appreciation to The Radiant Theatre, as well as the professional counsellors and student helpers from the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. We deeply value everyone's involvement and support for SEN children. The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the significant impact such activities have on their children's growth and experiences. They sincerely treasure this opportunity, which enabled their children to embark on new adventures in 2023.
We would like to express our gratitude to the supporting organizations and sponsor.
Lastly, we eagerly anticipate the continuation of our close collaboration with all parties involved to bring forth more exhilarating activities and opportunities for children with SEN. Together, let us strive to open up a world of possibilities for these children and nurture their bright futures.
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.
Comentários