Award Ceremony of the 36th Shell/Island JC Scholarship for the Disabled

(Hong Kong, November 3, 2017) In recent years, the community has been advocating the concept of “collaboration", "sharing", and "inclusion". Various sectors of the community are also active in providing diversified platforms for students with special education needs so that they can showcase their ability, to help them integrate into the community and contribute to the community in the future. The Shell / Island JC Scholarship for the Disabled which is being co-organized by Shell Hong Kong Limited, JCI Island, Education Bureau, Hong Kong Special Schools Council and Social Welfare Department are all promoting the awareness of special education needs and the importance of social inclusion. The Award Ceremony of the 36th Shell / Island JC Scholarship for the Disabled was successfully held today at the atrium of the apm in Kwun Tong in recognition of students with special education needs who can overcome their learning difficulties and perform well in various areas. At the same time, they are encouraged to continue to demonstrate their potential actively, serve Hong Kong and promote inclusive culture.

The Scholarship was set up in International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981 and has been 36 years so far, around 1,000 awards were presented to students. The Scholarship has always advocated the caring for students with special education needs and promoted the importance of a harmonious and inclusive community. Entering the 36th anniversary, the Scholarship has launched the Diversified Potential Development Project, with the theme of "Flying with Art". In the light of advocating inclusion, activities on participation, creation and appreciation of the artworks between the public and those with special education needs were conducted.

This year, the Scholarship is honoured to have Mr. Jeff Sze Chun-fai (the Political Assistant to Secretary for Education), Miss Joanna Chow (General Manager – Commercial, Shell Hong Kong Limited), Mr. David Luk (President of JCI Island), Ms. Grace Chan (Assistant District Social Welfare Officer (Kwun Tong) 1), Mr. Michael Chung (Principal Inspector (Special Education Support 2), the Education Bureau), Dr. Alice Yuk, BBS, JP (Chairperson of Hong Kong General Chamber of Social Enterprises Limited), Ms. Shum Siu Fong (Chairperson of Hong Kong Special Schools Council) and Ms. Nicola Cheung (Ambassador of the Scholarship) officiating the opening of the award ceremony, conveying message of building a harmonious generation. Ms. Nicola Cheung shared her views on children's development and social welfare at the award ceremony to enhance public awareness of the importance of social inclusion. Diversified Potential Development Project - Art Exhibition, art and game booths organised by TREATS and Arts with Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADAHK), non-government organizations, were also featured. Students and the public were invited to appreciate visual artworks of the awardees as well as create their own art recycling bags and paper flowers ornaments. In addition, there were K-POP dance performance by the students of Saviour Lutheran School and music performance by the students of Hong Kong Juvenile Care Centre Chan Nam Cheong Memorial School at the award ceremony, promoting caring, inclusion and awareness of special educational needs in the city.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Jeff Sze Chun-fai said: "The Education Bureau has for many years advocated an inclusive learning environment. It is hoped that the schools would serve at the social level to create an inclusive society and create a harmonious and beautiful Hong Kong. At the same time, we strongly encourage students to make diversified development to allow them to perform at their full potential and to archive collaborative relationship between students having various abilities. Shell / Island JC Scholarship for Disabled had achieved positive impacts on promotion of inclusion for many years. I also wish the awardees to continue their pursuit on their visions so as to achieve their full potential. I sincerely hope that everyone continues to promote integration and inclusion in the society."

Miss Joanna Chow said: “Shell / Island JC Scholarship for Disabled has worked hard for the past 36 years to promote the vision and mission of inclusion through various channels. It helps students with special educational needs fully unleash their potential to become independent and adaptable people, so as to build a harmonious and caring society." She also added that, "The Scholarship introduced a Diversified Potential Development Project with the theme “Flying High with Arts” this year to show appreciation to the students with commendable performance on visual arts because we are convinced that there is no limit to arts. Everyone can utilise their talent and endless creativity to express their artistic charms, build a meaningful life and contribute to the community".

About Shell/ Island JC Scholarship for the Disabled

Shell/ Island JC Scholarship for the Disabled (the Scholarship) was established in 1981, the International Year of Disabled Persons. Since its inception, the Scholarship has been highly popular among schools, students and parents.

Each year, 10 outstanding students are selected for the Outstanding Disabled Student Award. In 1993, the Best Progress Award was established to further motivate disabled students to achieve improvements. The Best Integrated Student Award was set up in 2001 to encourage disabled students who are studying in ordinary schools. In recognition of students who demonstrate notable effort in helping disabled students integrate into school life and significantly foster integrated learning experience in schools, the Caring Integrated Student Award has been established in 2011 to further advocate integrated education. In 2017, Diversified Potential Development Project was brought out to offer encouragement to the students studying in special schools to show recognition to their efforts and to encourage them to further pursue their visions on diversified ability development.

Awards and selection criteria in 2017

10 Outstanding Disabled Student Award winners (HKD 5,000 scholarship, certificate and trophy for each winner) 

The award targets the disabled students studying in special schools who demonstrate distinguished performance in academic results, conduct, school activities and community service.

10 Best Progress Award winners (HKD 3,000 scholarship, certificate and trophy for each winner)

The award targets the disabled students studying in special schools who have demonstrated significant improvement in academic results, behaviour and other achievements.

10 Best Integrated Student Award winners (HKD 3,000 scholarship, certificate and trophy for each winner)

The award targets the disabled students studying in ordinary schools who demonstrate distinguished performance in academic results, conduct, interpersonal relationship and adaptability to a changing environment.

4 Caring Integrated Student Award winners (HKD 3,000 scholarship, certificate and trophy for each winner)

The award targets the ordinary students studying in mainstream schools who participate in a variety of activities that assist disabled students to integrate into campus life, and play an active role in fostering an inclusive learning culture.

117 Diversified Potential Development Project Winners (HKD 500, certificate for each winner)

Every principal in Hong Kong Special Schools will select 2-3 students in their schools to be granted this recognition according to their performance and information provided on diversified ability development based on theme of the project for the year.

Media Enquiries:

Karen Lai - Infinite PR
Tel: 2276 0272/6689 5748

Frandy Chu
External Relations- General Manager, Shell Hong Kong Limited
Tel: 2506 7127

For more event photos, please visit: https://goo.gl/6V2XZ1