EDB and EdUHK Co-organise 4Rs Mental Health Professional Exchange Day
Promoting a Positive School Culture and Showcasing the Achievements of the Student Gatekeeper Programme
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) co‑organised the “4Rs Mental Health Professional Exchange Day cum Peer Power – Student Gatekeeper Training Programme Sharing Session” with the Education Bureau (EDB) on 10 July. The event brought together university professors, educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, experienced social workers and school principals to share the core elements and practical applications of the 4Rs Mental Health Charter, while highlighting the achievements of the Student Gatekeeper Programme.
Dr Christine Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education, and Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, President of EdUHK, officiated at the opening ceremony. Dr Verena Lau Wing-yin, Deputy Secretary for Education, representatives from partner organisations of the Peer Power - Student Gatekeeper Training Programme, as well as teachers and students from participating schools, were also in attendance. The programme featured thematic seminars and workshops led by experts and scholars, alongside school-based mental health promotion booths designed and hosted by student gatekeepers. Centred on the four key elements of the 4Rs Mental Health Charter — Rest, Relaxation, Relationship and Resilience — the event encouraged students to cultivate positive attitudes and healthy lifestyles through professional exchange, experiential activities and the presentation of school-based initiatives.
The event comprised one thematic sharing, two thematic seminars, six workshops and fourty school-based mental health promotion booths, covering a diverse range of topics, including:
One Thematic Sharing:
- “Promoting Flourishing among Children and Adolescents”, delivered by Professor Kevin Chan Ka-shing, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Education and Human Development at EdUHK
Two Thematic Seminars:
- “Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs and Co-concurrent Anxiety and Depressive Conditions”, delivered by Ms Stephanie Lam, Clinical Psychologist
- “Promoting Adolescents’ Mental Health Through Sleep and Circadian Rhythms”, delivered by Dr Rachel Chan Ngan-Yin, Assistant Professor from the Department of Psychiatry at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Six Thematic Workshops:
- “Mindfulness in Primary Schools: Achievements and Future Plans”, delivered by Dr Denis Kwan Hong-wang, Associate Director of the Jockey Club “Peace and Awareness” Mindfulness Culture in Schools Initiative
- “Enhancing Mental Health of Teachers and Students Through Creativity and Play”, delivered by Dr Peggy Or Pui-lai, Dr Louisa Chung Ming-yan, Ms Bernadette Chan Wing-yue and Ms Angela Sum Man-ching from the Department of Health and Physical Education at EdUHK
- “Empowering Student Voice: Driving a Mental Health–Friendly Culture from Vision to Action”, delivered by Dr Candice Powell, Chief Executive Officer of MIND HK, Ms Maggie Tong, Centre-In-Charge of The Salvation Army Tuen Mun East Integrated Service for Youth People and Principal, teachers, and student representatives of S.K.H. St. Simon Lui Ming Choi Secondary School
- “Between Knowing and Doing – The Wisdom of Growth Mindset in Student Work”, delivered by Dr Jasmine Zhu Shi-min, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- “Mental Health in the AI Era: Promoting Students’ Safe and Appropriate Use of GenAI”, delivered by Dr Wong Ting Yat, Assistant Professor of the Department of Psychology at EdUHK
- “‘Connect · Wellbeing’, Enhancing Students' Sense of Wellbeing Through Five Core Elements of Connection: Interpersonal, Knowledge, Emotional, Action, and Family & Community”, delivered by Mr Thomas Fung Chak-tong, Assistant Service Head of Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service
In her opening remarks, Dr Choi noted that the Charter aims to enhance students’ mental health literacy by promoting rest, relaxation, relationship and resilience. She highlighted that over 96 per cent of schools in Hong Kong have joined the Charter, reflecting the education sector’s strong commitment to students’ physical and mental well-being. She affirmed that the EDB will continue to work closely with schools and professional sectors to foster positive and healthy campuses.
In his welcoming address, Professor Lee underscored EdUHK’s longstanding commitment to supporting students’ mental health. Drawing on its strengths in teacher education and educational research, the University collaborates with the EDB to promote a caring and supportive school and community environment. He expressed gratitude to the student gatekeepers for their active participation, noting that their efforts not only exemplify the application of the 4Rs principles in schools but also help to strengthen a culture of care, mutual support and inclusion, thereby contributing to students’ whole-person growth.
As Hong Kong’s leading teacher education institution, EdUHK has consistently advanced academic research, knowledge transfer, professional training and school-based support to meet students’ evolving needs. The Exchange Day exemplifies the University’s commitment to nurturing a new generation with positive values and sound psychological qualities. Looking ahead, EdUHK will continue to work hand in hand with schools and stakeholders across society to promote mental health culture and build more caring and resilient campuses and communities.
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EDB and EdUHK Co-organise 4Rs Mental Health Professional Exchange Day Promoting a Positive School Culture and Showcasing the Achievements of the Student Gatekeeper Programme
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