Narrowing Children's Learning and Caring Gap
Playtao addresses the severe poverty issue in Hong Kong by
providing a holistic afterschool program for deprived children. By partnering with local
schools working with students from low-income families, this pilot project delivers
multidisciplinary afterschool programs that broaden students’ perspectives and equip
them with well-rounded soft and hard skills, opening new doors to education and career
opportunities in the future.
Social Problem
Income and education inequality are serious problems in Hong Kong. Over one million
citizens live below the poverty line, of which 350,000 are children. These children
have little or no access to extra-curricular development in an increasingly competitive
society and this disadvantage is clearly reflected in limited university and career
opportunities. Having to take care of the children after school, parents are also
unable to find full-time employment, further trapping the family in a cycle of poverty.
The Solution
Multidisciplinary Afterschool Program
The Playtao program consists of modules under four Building Blocks: The Learning
Capsule for academic support, Playtao Playground for extra-curricular activities;
Growth-in-Action for life education, and Community Channel for social exposure.
Engaged Volunteer Program
A large volunteer base from top schools and universities engage in Playtao as
course designers, tutors and mentors.
Parent Tutor Program
The Playtao program engages parents of the partnering schools as program tutors,
allowing parents to play a more active role in their children’s education and, for some,
generate an income.
Social Impact
There are many underprivileged families in Hong
Kong who need to be supported by society. We
need more innovative approaches and creative
ideas like Playtao Education to address their needs
in an effective and sustainable fashion.
－ Mr. Ricky Wong Kwong-Yiu, Managing Director of Wheelock Properties (HK) Ltd
Improving Students’ Attitude and Learning Behaviour
The 2010 mid-term review shows that all teachers saw improvement in Playtao students' academic
attitude, interpersonal relationships and behavior. Teachers were especially impressed with
Playtao's ability to increase students' exposure.
Parent Empowerment and Education
By ensuring that their children are cared for afterschool, Playtao creates the opportunity
for mothers of low-income children to take up full-time employment.
Raising Awareness of Privileged Students
Top students learn about the condition of their less-privileged counterparts through
hands-on involvement in teaching and program design.
SVhk Engagement
- Founding partner organization
- Community network to support children’s activities
- Professional support: Finance, marketing, operation
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Mr. Ken Kwok
Director, Playtao Education
Member, SVhk
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Mr. Leo Ng
Senior Associate, SVhk
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