《Call of the Musical Notes》- ECH Alumni Amber
Amber participated as a singer in ECH 65th anniversary theme song in 2022, which matched with her study of musical production. She deeply feels that the lyrics are like a portrayal of her childhood: “Obstacles are all around the dark abyss. Settling down is already difficult. How can I climb up?” Even though there are many obstacles, it did not hinder her enthusiasm for music. Moving around for 10 years, she finally settled on the happy road of music and started a brilliant second life
How to climb up while settling down is already difficult?
Due to the unstable mental condition of her parents, 3 sisters including Amber were admitted to ECH successively. At one time, Amber was the youngest in the girls’ house. She was so loved and brought happiness to everyone. They thought by arranging the 3 sisters together in one room would let them take care of each other. However, even small things like who should turn off the lights led to arguments that persisted until dawn. On the contrary, in order to get the long desired reward – 2012 Flying Project, they could also do their best after encouragement of the house parents. They were awarded to a trip to Korea for cultural exchange which broadened their horizons. Ordinary care homes cannot guarantee one fixed caregiver to one particular child, the change in caregivers left profound impact on Amber – it was like losing a relative. She was unable to adapt to these changes at a young age, so she went on her way and disregarded the house rules. Eventually, due to long-term conflicts with the house parents, she left this home before 18 when our youth home was not yet established.
Ideals vs. Reality
Amber is very talented in music. She could instantly play the musical notes she heard on the radio. When she was a child, there were not many choices of after school activities. She either read comic books or novels quietly, or played on the piano randomly. ECH discovered her talent and looked for resources that allowed her to receive formal musical training starting at the age of 6. Since then, she had the opportunity to study music formally. However, when it came to the idea of pursuing music as a career, there were only objections. Upon 16 years old, she returned to an inappropriate home – her original family. Due to violent behavior of family members, she was forced to stay temporarily in a youth hostel, giving her some peace and quiet time for a few months. In the end, she completed public exams with some difficulties. Her grades were not good. With the help of some friends, she travelled to Taiwan and learned Music. The work-study life was difficult and the amount of homework required for the subjects increased in the 2nd year. If she continued to work part-time, she could not complete her studies. At the same time, her father’s health deteriorated, so she had no choice but to return to HK before graduation.
Photos with ECH Superintendent
20 years apart
Life Coaches Altered Life Path
Amber returned to HK for work. ECH superintendent and ex-house parent (Ms. Chak) both invited her to serve in the church. While working, jumping musical notes always call to her. Gratefully, she met some life coaches over the years: Mr. Luke – a doctor she met through work and David and Agnes – a church couple. Based on their life experiences, they guided her to step out and follow God’s lead, strive for her dreams and embark positively on a music career. In between, she returned ECH and teached piano, hoping this passion of pursuing dreams could be passed on! She started with classical music in ECH and studied pop music afterward. She said it was a process. Never thought that as long as she has determination and enthusiasm, a young lady with mixed emotions and misfit in traditional education can overcome all difficulties, aim at the target and break through her boundaries. With the support of ECH scholarship fund, she successively obtained musical achievements – including grade 8 piano exam, bachelor degree majoring in music, performing with instruments and her voice at different concerts, and was recommended to be interviewed on TV with outstanding performances.
After passing through the twists and turns, Amber strived to move forward with her eternal musical dreams. No matter where she goes, she shines brightly and can face new challenges optimistically.
Moving Forward to S.E.N. 3.0 – Integrated Day Care Service- Past, Present and Future
Looking back on this integrated Day Care and support services for primary students with special education needs (SEN), it is regarded as comprehensive and targeted. This service includes one-stop care and holistic development, inter-disciplinary early intervention, support for children and parents and network building. In the 2022-23 annual survey, satisfaction level of each score reaches 98%. This plan effectively improves the abilities and performances of SEN children in various aspects. It realizes their potential, promotes parent-child relationship and relieves the pressure of caregivers.
Evangel Children’s Home (ECH) has been committed to providing child care for “high-risk” families and preventing problems from worsening. Looking back at the beginning of the Millennium, this service was in high demand. If the assisted families could receive appropriate community support, there will be high chance avoiding their children to be admitted to residential service. Such scarce capacity could be reserved for more “high-risk” families. Thus this non-government-funded day care service came into being and became a pioneer in the sector.
Original Aspiration of the Service
Initially, Day Care service took care of primary students from grassroots, single parents or newcomers to HK. Some parents had to work long hours or on shifts, leading to lack of care for their children. This service responded to these needs by operating extra-long time – 365 days a year from 8am to 10pm. Parents could work with peace of mind when their children were properly cared for. The center also provides parent seminars, support and counseling which strengthen family effectiveness and help these families to help themselves. This service achieved remarkable results and the demand was ever-increasing until 2015 when the Social Welfare Department provided Enhanced After-school Care Program in various districts.
Service Change for SEN Children
At that time, many children admitted to our residential home or Day Care service were diagnosed with Special Education Needs (SEN). It then prompted our services to finetune. Since general community care service may not provide professional care for SEN children, if the situation is not properly handled, it may lead to family crisis. In 2018, we developed a comprehensive service of “S.E.N. – Shine· Empower· Network” which takes care of SEN primary students and supports their families. We are grateful for the continuous support and matching donations from the business sector and the Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged. The 3 year pandemic did not interrupt this service. With the addition of a Sensory Integration room in 2022, we hope that the business sector can donate again and join hands in this charitable deed. Let us move forward from S.E.N. 2.0 to 3.0 and serve more families in need.
Parents’ Responses to S.E.N. 2.0 Survey
*Parent 1: “S.E.N. 2.0 allows children to develop comprehensively both physically and mentally. Classes such as social skills, speech and sensory integration enhance children’s communication skills, stabilize emotions and they become happier.”
*Parent 2: “In the past, I used to struggle with my son for his homework and self-care. After participating in SEN 2.0, he can finish homework by segment in time, automatically and consciously tidy up his bed and clothes, take meals and clean up by himself. My family is more harmonious now.”
*Parent 3: “In addition to daily life training, children can study intensively in a safe environment. The after-school activities here allow them to broaden knowledge, strengthen self-confidence, interact with others, connect and collaborate. The Bible class teaches them to have empathy and accept each other. Parent workshops help relieves parenting stress.”
*Parent 4: “Training a few days in a week effectively improved the children’s discipline, perseverance and persistence. Thanks to the tutors who answered parents’ questions like friends and saved the whole family from difficult situations. I hope there will be extended services for SEN children who progress to secondary school.
Overcoming Life’s Greatest Difficulties with Daniel’s Family
Primary student Daniel’s mother needed cancer treatment. Daniel’s father could not spare the needed time to take care of him. Fortunately, they learnt about ECH Day Care services for children. ECH considered their emergency situation and referred Day Care service for Daniel to cope with his homework and extended meal arrangements. Daniel’s mother thanked ECH for the quick support to solve the family’s urgent needs. Under the care of ECH, Daniel is grateful to the service and cherishes his beloved family and friends.
Daniel’s family presented testimony in ECH Thanksgiving Worship
We are family focused, children oriented, and community-based. Through Day Care services, we support SEN children and family caregivers in an all-rounded way and strengthen family effectiveness. Families with difficulties derive various parent-child and parenting issues, in addition SEN children have special learning needs, their difficulties are indescribable. The support from all parties motivates us to move forward to S.E.N. 3.0