Jockey Club Youth Academy for Special Educational Needs Holds Graduation Ceremony at EdUHK
The Education University of Hong Kong’s (EdUHK) Jockey Club Youth Academy for Special Educational Needs (the Academy) held a graduation ceremony for its third cohort (2024-25) of students at Tai Po campus on 18 July.
Established in 2020 by EdUHK’s Institute of Special Needs and Inclusive Education (ISNIE), the Academy was launched with the support from the HKSAR Government’s Education Bureau, the Hong Kong Special Schools Council and a donation from The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Charities Trust. The Academy provides continued education opportunities for SEN high-school leavers, equipping them with essential life skills and preparing them for the employment. EdUHK once again received generous support from the HKJC Charities Trust in 2024 and joined as one of the partners of the ‘Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment’. In addition to maintaining the Academy’s existing training framework, the project strengthens career-oriented planning for graduates with special educational needs. By expanding internship networks and fostering cross-sector collaboration, it lays a solid foundation for students to transition into the workforce.
Officiating at the ceremony were Mr Fletch Chan Wai-wai, Commissioner for Rehabilitation of the Labour and Welfare Bureau; Professor John Lee Chi-Kin, EdUHK President and Director of the Academy for Educational Development and Innovation; Professor Kenneth Sin Kuen-fung, Executive Director of ISNIE and Director of the Academy; Ms Nelly Li, Consultant, Charities, The Hong Kong Jockey Club and Dr Shek Wai-keung, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Special Schools Council. More than 200 attendees, including secondary school principals, front-line teachers, Academy course instructors, representatives of partner companies and non-profit organisations, as well as students and their parents, attended the ceremony. During the ceremony, the graduates of the third cohort, alumni, their employers and pre-service teachers from the University shared their experiences.
Professor Lee expressed his heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates and extended his gratitude to the community for their support. He said, “The Jockey Club Youth Academy for Special Educational Needs has nurtured core competencies and professional skills of their students while promoting social participation and inclusion. Through the ‘Jockey Club Collaborative Project for Inclusive Employment’, we have strengthened strategic collaboration among the University, businesses and the community. This initiative has broadened diverse internship opportunities for the Academy’s students and advanced the goal of integrating learning with practice. In addition, EdUHK undergraduates have gained valuable hands-on experience supporting learners with diverse needs through the activities organised by the Academy. EdUHK will continue to promote inclusive projects that supporting SEN youths, caregivers, pre-service teachers, and front-line educators – further advancing social inclusion.”
Mr Fletch Chan pointed out that, “the Government has all along spared no effort in promoting inclusive workplace. This includes launching the ‘Caring Employer’ medal to commend employers who actively engage and support persons with disabilities and to promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities." Mr Chan also encouraged graduates to continue to develop their potential and find their own position in the workplace to contribute to society.
To support students with special educational needs before they enter the workforce, the Academy offers opportunities for learning and life on campus spanning from one to three years. The courses equip students with a variety of practical skills including career planning, languages, photography, drone operation and flower arranging. Graduation certificates will be awarded to students on completion of the programme.
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 the Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/InclusiveCareerPlatform
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