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Events

2021-22 ECH Award Ceremony – Ms. Jade Kwan presented theme song with our youth

Ms. Jade Kwan not only volunteered to teach our children singing, she also attended ECH annual award ceremony as an award presenter and sang the 65th anniversary theme song – 《日出過山車》on stage together with the performing girls’ team as encouragement and experience building. Everyone was excited in the encore section. In the ceremony, children were awarded for their achievements in academic, character building, social interaction and living skills. Let us board on the 65th anniversary ECH “Grace Train” – the theme of the event and give thanks for the blessed journey of over 65 years.

Ms. Jade Kwan of Shining Life Limited presented awards to children and youth who participated in the shooting of the 65th anniversary theme song 《日出過山車》music video. We look forward to the premiere on Oct 22.

“I hope to extend my talent from God by volunteering to teach the children singing. These youngsters may pursue a career in music or singing. Through the process of recording the ECH 65th anniversary theme song in the studio and shooting the music video, they can build experience and get in touch with related works. I believe every child is gifted and can unleash talents”, said Jade. Jade even presented the ECH 65th anniversary theme song 《日出過山車》with the performing girls’ team at the ceremony.

The children handmade little planet of《日出過山車》 as appreciation of Jade‘s contribution. This gift depicts the ups and downs our children have gone through in life. Now they have boarded the ECH “Grace Train”. Thank Jade for brightening their lives. The illuminated planet represents part of the theme song lyrics, that the sunrise casts away dark nights and hope is in sight.

Primary and secondary school children and youth sang in worship and unleashed different musical talents.

Thanks to Rotary Club of Kowloon Tong for their long term support to ECH in nurturing children and for presenting the Overall Performance Awards to the winning children. William, the president of the Rotary Club of Kowloon Tong was awarded special souvenir handmade by the children.

On that night, masters of the ceremony included two children. This gave them the opportunities to learn. Guests were invited to visit the primary school boy’s dormitory. The boys introduced their lifestyles and displayed their neat wardrobes at this Home. Good habits can be trained at a young age.

Children DIY potted gifts for the guests. Joe, the social work supervisor explained the meaning of this gift. It signifies that the children can lie on stable green grasses, their pains could be healed, their lives could be improved and they can rediscover themselves in the process of receiving our services. Pain from the past will no longer be their obstacles. They can move forward happily, thanks to supporters’ help.

Events

ECH Micro-film “Battle against Covid-19”

During the peak of the 5th wave pandemic, ECH children need to be quarantined on-site. All staff was united to safeguard the children’s home and to cut off the spread of virus. Thankful that we could win this tough battle. This large-scale “Battle against Covid-19” involving everyone in this Home was documented in a micro-film. It re-lives the heart-bounding scenes and the touching moments when our staff advanced to take care of the children wave after wave.

Caseworkers invited children and youth to play different roles in the film, deepened their understanding of how our staff cooperated in the process of the fight and faced the unpredictable challenges together.

This micro-film was premiered in the 2021-22 ECH Award Ceremony, where guests and supporters shared the production results. The film director praised that the children could. bravely try, patiently learn and showed team spirit. After overcoming the tsunami-like pandemic, while looking back on the process, what everyone retains is a grateful heart.

Children and youth played the roles of the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent and Caseworkers who were having an emergency meeting on the pandemic. She also played as a news reporter who interviewed ECH.

They played the roles of cleaner and food delivery staff dressed in personal protective equipment. She pretended to be a busy supporting staff distributing emergency supplies.

The invisible virus also participated in the scene of infecting the children’s home, while she acted as Superintendent asking for help calmly.

This special scene with the children’s interaction, represents that time goes back when the virus first struck the children’s home. They need to face the unknown development during the pandemic. After the 5th wave pandemic, what remains is our grateful hearts.

Supporter Stories

《A Relative with No Blood Relations》– “Elder Sister” Joanne

About 20 years ago at an ECH volunteer activity, a few strangers were connected and developed family-like relationships, spanning over the years and across different regions. An “Elder Sister” nurtured four young boys’ growth with blessings from heart to heart.

Become a Volunteer with Boundless Love

ears ago, Joanne was a member of EFCC – Woot Chuen Church. Dedicated to becoming a volunteer and serving the community, she is full of love. In the past, she trained her own puppies to become dog doctors. They had been serving elderly homes and hospitals for over 8-10 years. In 2003, after a charity walk organized by Evangel Children’s Home, Joanne took the initiative to offer volunteer services to the children. The social worker at the time (now the social work supervisor) – Joe arranged two pairs of little brothers under the age of 10 (including Ah Yin and Ah Wai) be mentored by Joanne and implemented an “Elder Sister Plan”. Out of expectation, this arrangement connected these few strangers and created family-like and boundless care thereafter.

In the 2003 ECH charity walk, Joanne participated with her beloved dogs.

Life Nurturing and Selfless Companionship

Joanne has a bright personality which makes her appropriate to be a caregiver of boys. She hopes to accompany these children with the love of Christ and influence these little lives with her life experience. At that time, Joanne worked in a commercial firm. She brought snacks to the children’s home and chit chat with the little brothers at her spare time. At the beginning, she did find it hard to look for some common topics to kick-start a conversation. Nevertheless, she accompanied and listened patiently and carefully. Gradually she opened up the little brothers’ inner world, sharing their sorrow and joy. She will not forget the time she was invited to be a boy’s guardian and met his teacher at school. Joanne found these kids kind-hearted. Occasionally, she applied to take them out for a movie, or go hiking and stretch their body and mind. All these were wonderful experiences to the little brothers

A Relative with No Blood Relations

After these little brothers left the children’s home at the age of 18, Joanne continued to communicate with the four boys who became young men and exchanged greetings. Seeing that they were not self-reliant right away, she devoted herself and bought suitable home appliances for them. Even at one of the boys’ life event – the wedding day, she was asked to be formal witness of the wedding. This showed that even though they have no blood relationship, they shared the same family-like relationship. What comforted her most was watching them grow up and becoming loving and responsible adults. Some got married and even gave birth to the next generation, inheriting the love of Christ.

Boundless Care Brought up Doctoral Student

In recent years, Joanne emigrated overseas. Thanks to the internet, their communication never stopped at her fingertips. One of the big boys, “Ah Wai” is now a doctoral candidate in nutritional studies at a Taiwan University. All these achievements did not happen by chance. Great thanks to the irrigation from all aspects with love so that little saplings can grow into big trees and benefit the community.

This kind of invisible relationship does not require too much verbal communication. Companionship with heart brings out the most sincere dedication and care.

Few years ago, Joanne originally planned to meet “Ah Wai” in Taiwan, but the two unexpectedly met at the Hong Kong airport.

Joanne visited HK and made a special trip to reunite with members of ECH.

From left to right: Ms. Law (Superintendent), Joanne, Joe (Social Work Supervisor) and Calvin (Deputy Superintendent)

Supporter Stories

Homeless Youth《Kick-Start in a Pandemic》–Sponsor 2nd Chance in Life- Transitional Youth Sponsorship Program “Start-up Fund”

Youth staying in Evangel Children’s Home not only face the predicament of homelessness, they also face challenges of future residence, independent living, further education and employment issues. This leaves them feeling helpless especially under the constant threat of Covid-19. Grateful that there are empathetic and kind-hearted donors who sponsored 2nd Chance in Life-Transitional Youth Sponsorship Program “Start-up Fund”, a continuous subsidy since 2021, and helped they transit gradually to independent living.

“Start-up Fund” – Timely Support under the Pandemic

Businesses in Hong Kong were hard hit in the face of severe pandemic. Residential youth encounter many difficulties when finding part-time jobs. Some being laid off are under tremendous mental and psychological stress.  For a living, they have to allocate time on both study and work, which causes a dilemma. In the past two years, we are blessed to have kind donors – Angie & Cathy, who injected sponsorship of “Start-up Fund”. This helps the youth to transit through difficulties and prepare for further studies and career development.

A few sponsored youths are studying in accredited tertiary qualification courses or participating in pre-employment internships offered by the service project of the organization. They need to work part-time after school to cover rental, tuition and other living expenses. They recalled that during the pandemic, various industries fell into recession. They encountered financial difficulties, such as deduction in working hours or being laid off. Fortunately, they received the “Start-up Fund” and solved their immediate needs. Their psychological and mental stress was relieved so they could continue to focus on studying, complete their coursework or internship then gradually transit to self-reliance.

A Difficult Start with a Dilemma

“Due to the pandemic, I was unemployed early2021, resulting in zero income. I was under intense financial stress in face of various expenses, such as rental, transportation and food. In the last semester, the courses I studied are the most difficult. It takes me a lot of time to search in the internet every day. I study hard with my classmates, and depart school only when the campus closes” Amanda (alias) who is studying Chinese Medicine.

“Under the severe pandemic outbreak, labour demand dropped drastically. Many employees suffered either from deduction of working hours or being laid off. Due to the same reason, I was laid off from my last part-time job. The competition of finding a job is very high. There was no news about the jobs I applied. I was confused and under a lot of psychological pressure. At the same time, I have to take care of my studies. I need to spend a lot of time practising in the hospital to avoid making mistakes. If I fail in the exam, my graduation will be delayed for one year. My mental burden is very heavy…”Gwyneth (alias) who takes Nursing Studies.

“I attend school Monday through Friday. I do not have enough time for a regular part-time job. My income is unstable that intensifies my financial pressure. The schoolwork in the new semester is also getting heavier. I really hope to devote more time to my studies without worrying about my living expenses…“Britney (alias) who is studying Nursing.

Gratitude from the Youth Beneficiaries:

Amanda (alias) who is studying Chinese Medicine

“When I couldn’t find a part-time job and urgently needed financial support, this fund gave me a buffer period during the difficult time. It allowed me to study and complete the course with peace of mind. I am greatly thankful to the sponsors who contributed silently. When I am able to give back, I will do my best to contribute to the society.”

Gwyneth (alias) who chose Nursing Studies

“The Start-up Fund allowed me to relieve some financial burdens. It provided support under the unpredictable situation of the pandemic. Hence, I could focus on my studies and achieved satisfactory results. I look forward to obtaining enrolled nurse license subsequent to my internship… After overcoming this hurdle, I deeply realize that I shall serve people with different needs in this helping industry, and practise selfless dedication.”

Wing (alias) who is learning Information Technology

“The Start-up Fund relieved my financial pressure, allowed me to spend more time on further studies and start developing my second life. After becoming financially independent in the future, I hope to help those with financial need.”

Beautiful DIY thank you cards made by the youths

Once again, we thank Angie & Cathy for their timely assistance, encouraging homeless youth to come out of their predicaments and strive to move up. Hope that intergenerational poverty can be lifted and they could live a prosperous second life, and give back to the society.

Children Stories

Money Management – 《Battle of Little Millionaires》 – Wilbur House

If children can gain knowledge of money management, explore and practise at a young age, their future growth will be greatly benefited. House parents train Wilbur House children (primary school boys) on money management, and let them grasp some basic concept in economics earlier. These children learn how to save, reduce unnecessary spending, postpone enjoyment of their ‘heart’s desire’, and save money slowly for their set targets. The result is very encouraging!

Learn Currency Values

House parents teach children money management. Firstly they introduce to them the Hong Kong currencies, for example, the shapes, sizes and values of coins and paper notes, so as to avoid confusion. Allow them to record income and expenditure every week. Just like Math, they add the savings (e.g. red packets) and deduct the spending on their account books. Let them see how much they really have. Then they can plan ahead and clear off fantasies. 

Set Goals and Carry Out Plans

Once the savings goals are set, they can list out the ‘wants items’ or ‘important and needed items’ using straight line sorting method. House parents can infuse the meaning and value of each item, let them set priority and make better decisions. When the shopping goals are set, they have to compare prices and be smart consumers. For example, the same product may have different prices in different stores. If one store offers discounts, is it the best price? This could be a very practical Math lesson!

Give Back and Sharing

Finally when certain saving amount is reached and the ‘heart’s desired’ is bought, are they able to share the joy with housemates? Will it be donated to someone else in need? Learning such topics at a young age can help pave the way to contribute and give back to the society.


From Theory to Practice

Steve (alias):

He saved enough money to treat his mum for a meal on Mother’s Day.

Brian (alias):

Aim at the target, check for the best price, then purchase biography of his favorite basketball star.

Teach children to “save first, spend later”, cherish to wisely use and manage money, master the balance of income and expenditure, then we can cultivate their good spending habits. Some research points out that children who can postpone enjoyment and wait patiently will give rise to better development in academic, social and coping ability, thus enlightening their future.