Award Ceremony of the 33rd Shell/Island JC Scholarship for the Disabled

Dr. York Chow, Chairperson of EOC, officiated at the opening ceremony

The award ceremony included a host of guests of honour and award presenters, including Dr. York Chow, Chairperson of EOC, Dr. Fernando Cheung, a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, Ms. Helen Tam, a famous hostess and actress, Mr. Daniel Ng, Chairman, Shell Hong Kong Limited, Mr. Maurice Leung, current chairman of the Island Junior Chamber, Ms. Wong Siu Ping, senior inspector of Special Education Support Team II, Education Bureau, Ms. Shum Siu Fong, chairperson of the Hong Kong Special Schools Council, and Ms. Yip Siu Ming, commissioner of the Social Welfare Department for Kwun Tong District.

Dr. York Chow said in his speech that the annual Shell/Island JC Scholarship for the Disabled plays an important role in promoting a culture of inclusion. He also encouraged the winners to decisively strive to realise their goals no matter how bumpy the road forward might appear. He hoped that the scholarship could encourage the disabled students to positively become integrated into campus life and further unlock their potential. In addition, he wished that all winners could continue to pursue their goals and realise their dreams.

Mr. Daniel Ng said in his speech that, thanks to years of strong support from all stakeholders, the scholarship programme has developed well on track and been highly recognised by people from all walks of life. The programme also enabled the disabled students with special education needs to win more social attention. Moreover, he said to all attendees: “I hope that we can work together to promote a sense of inclusion and ensure each individual can give full play to his/her strengths and respect others regardless of competence, education and background, thus creating a more harmonious and a better society.”

Fernando Cheung shared experience on taking care of disabled children

Fernando Cheung Chiu-hung, a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, who has a mentally disabled daughter, interacted with Helen Tam, the famous hostess of a children’s program, to share experience on education for disabled children. According to Dr. Cheung shared his view, it requires a lot of love and care to look after disabled children, and mutual support between parents can give them a much-needed sense of security. Special education needs more support from the social welfare community, so as to provide more appropriate education to disabled children.

Besides the touching award presentation, various eye-catching performances by talented disabled students were also quite impressive, including accordion playing, lion dancing, a dance by wheelchair-users and fancy rope skipping. Michelle Siu, a winner of the Best Integrated Student Award, sang You Raise Me Up with Dr. York Chow, moving the event toward a resounding climax for a warm afternoon full of positive energy for all attendees.

Background of Shell/Island JC Scholarship for the Disabled
Jointly sponsored by Shell Hong Kong Limited, the Island Junior Chamber, the Education Bureau, the Hong Kong Special Schools Council and the Social Welfare Department, the Shell/ Island JC Scholarship for the Disabled was established in 1981, the International Year of Disabled Persons. Since its inception, the scholarship awards programme has been highly popular among schools, students and parents. Each year, 10 outstanding students are selected by the Scholarship Selection Committee for the Outstanding Disabled Student Award. By 2014, the Best Progress Award, the Best Integrated Student Award and the Caring Integrated Student Award were added to encourage more students to overcome difficulties induced by their disabilities and deliver distinguished performance in school activities and community services. All schools in Hong Kong can recommend outstanding disabled students to apply for this scholarship, and all nominations will be vetted and winners decided by the Scholarship Selection Committee.

Awards of Shell/ Island JC Scholarship for the Disabled and selection criteria

The Outstanding Disabled Student Award

Target group: students studying in special schools

Criteria: disabled students who demonstrate distinguished performance in academics, conduct, school activities and community service.

The Best Progress Award

Target group: students studying in special schools

Criteria: disabled students who have demonstrated significant improvement in academic results, behaviour and other achievements.

The Best Integrated Student Award

Target group: disabled students studying in ordinary schools

Criteria: disabled students studying in ordinary schools who demonstrate distinguished performance in academic results, conduct, interpersonal relationships and adaptability to a changing environment.

The Caring Integrated Student Award

Target group: ordinary students

Criteria: ordinary students studying in mainstream schools who actively participate in a variety of activities and demonstrate some success in assisting disabled students to integrate into school, helping to foster an integrated learning experience for all.

Media Inquiry

Ms. Red Lee

Communications Advisor

Tel: 2506 7083