Jockey Club Youth Academy for Special Educational Needs Celebrates Graduation of Fourth Cohort
The Education University of Hong Kong’s (EdUHK) Jockey Club Youth Academy for Special Educational Needs (the Academy) held its Fourth Graduation Ceremony (2025-26) at the Tai Po campus on 24 July. Through the Academy, young people with special educational needs are equipped with essential life and workplace skills, and receive career planning and employment preparation through internship opportunities and cross-sector collaboration. The event was held to celebrate the achievements of 18 graduates as they completed an important stage of their learning journey and prepared to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
More than 200 guests attended the ceremony, including secondary school principals, teachers, Academy instructors, representatives from partner organisations and businesses, students and their families. Graduates, alumni, employers and EdUHK pre-service teachers shared their experiences and reflected on the transformative impact of the Academy on their personal growth, learning and career development.
The ceremony was officiated by Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, EdUHK Vice President (Research and Development); Mrs Winnie Kang Leung Wing-yee, Commissioner for Rehabilitation of the Labour and Welfare Bureau; Ms Vickie Li Wai-bing, Principal Assistant Secretary (Special Education); Ms Imelda Chan, Head of Charities (Health & Older Adults Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Professor Kenneth Sin Kuen-fung, Executive Director of ISNIE and Director of the Academy; Ms Lee Ching-man, Chairman of the Hong Kong Special Schools Council; and Dr George Leung Wing-hung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Special Education School Heads Association.
Congratulating the graduates, Professor Chetwyn Chan expressed appreciation for the support of partners across the education, business and social service sectors. He said, “Since its establishment in 2020, the Academy has supported young people with special educational needs in pursuing further learning opportunities and planning for their future. To date, more than 150 students have enrolled in the programme. With the Academy’s participation in the second phase of the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment, new career-oriented training pathways have been introduced in areas such as drone operation, visual arts assistance and information technology support. Together with a one-stop ‘training–internship–employment’ pathway, these initiatives enable students to gain authentic workplace experience and build confidence for future employment. Looking ahead, we will continue to advance inclusive education and empower students to realise their potential and pursue their aspirations.”
Mrs Winnie Kang pointed out that, “The Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to promote workplace inclusion. We, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, launched the ‘Caring Employer’ Medal last year, commending 185 organisations and individuals for actively employing and supporting persons with disabilities. This encourages more enterprises to participate, promotes workplace inclusion, and creates more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. I would also like to thank Hong Kong Jockey Club and EdUHK for their ongoing support and contributions, which have created valuable opportunities for the youth with special educational needs. I hope all graduates will bravely explore your own interests and strengths, actively participate in the community and workplace, and work together to promote an inclusive society.”
Ms Vickie Li pointed out that, “The Education Bureau attaches great importance to special education and integrated education. The Bureau has all along supported schools in catering for students with special educational needs from the perspective of the education profession and with due consideration of the learning needs of students, with a view to helping them overcome their limitations and difficulties, and developing their potential during their growth.” Ms Li also encouraged the graduates to continue upholding the spirit of daring to try, never giving up, and lifelong learning, so as to equip themselves, broaden their horizons, and create a fulfilling and remarkable life.
Ms Imelda Chan extended her warmest congratulations to all graduates of the Fourth Cohort and wished them a bright and prosperous future. She said, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club has long been committed to working hand in hand with the community to foster a more inclusive and caring city. To this end, through the Chief Executive’s Community Project List, the Club has provided funding support to EdUHK to establish the Jockey Club Youth Academy for Special Educational Needs. Since joining the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment in 2024, the Academy has further helped Secondary 6 graduates with special educational needs develop professional knowledge and practical skills, enabling them to make a gradual and successful transition into the workforce.”
Established in 2020 by EdUHK's ISNIE with the support of the Education Bureau, the Hong Kong Special Schools Council and a donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Academy provides continuing education and pre-employment training opportunities for secondary school graduates with special educational needs.
In 2024, the Academy joined the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment with continued support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Building on its existing training framework, the initiative has strengthened career planning and workplace preparation through expanded internship opportunities and cross-sector collaboration. The project also provides training for pre-service teachers, parents and caregivers to enhance understanding of special educational needs and inclusive education.
The Academy offers one to three-year learning pathways designed to equip students with practical knowledge and workplace skills. Its curriculum covers areas including career planning, language studies, photography, drone operation, media communication and visual arts assistance. Students who successfully complete the programme are awarded graduation certificates.
Photos are available on the EdUHK Institute of Special Needs and Inclusive Education website:
https://isnie.eduhk.hk/news-and-events/news
For more information about the Jockey Club Youth Academy for Special Educational Needs, please visit:
https://isnie.eduhk.hk/projects/YASEN/about-yasen
For more information about the Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment, please visit:
https://platformforinclusion.hk/en/home
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