The Shaw Foundation provides essential funding for SAF’s Kindergarten Programme
The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) is hugely grateful for funding provided by The Shaw Foundation, a major charitable foundation in Hong Kong, which enabled us to continue and expand our Kindergarten Programme from October 2023 to August 2024, reaching two new schools for the first time.
With the efforts of registered art therapists from our Make It Better (MIB) programme, SAF worked with local kindergartens to deliver weekly expressive arts workshops and therapy groups for over 53 students from low-income backgrounds and special educational needs. The workshops were designed to enhance cognitive skills, build confidence, foster emotional resilience and develop interpersonal abilities.
The Kindergarten Programme took a holistic approach to build a strong support system that lasts beyond its duration, ensuring ongoing growth and development for the children involved. At the start of the MIB programme, in-person meetings were held for parents to encourage their involvement.
Recognising the vital role of teachers in supporting the MIB programme, the team also conducted workshops to show how expressive arts can benefit child development, teaching them how to incorporate creative activities into their lessons and equipping them with the skills to encourage children’s participation and self-expression.
Lai Yin Ching, principal of Pok Oi Hospital Chan Hsu Fong Lam Kindergarten, said: “During the training, we gained a deeper understanding of expressive arts. Through learning and reflection, we have come to realise that art is a vast medium that allows for freedom of expression. This training has inspired us to utilise art to encourage children to express themselves, thereby boosting their confidence and communication skills.”
To ensure that beneficiaries receive the best support for their ongoing development, evaluations and feedback sessions were also conducted with schools, group leaders and expressive arts therapists. This process helps us to gain deeper insights into the children’s needs, facilitating a more comprehensive support system for their continued growth.
The Shaw Foundation’s funding has made a significant impact not only on its beneficiaries but also on the partnering schools and parental training initiatives. Looking ahead to the coming year, SAF hopes to secure continued support from The Shaw Foundation to continue the valuable programmes to even more children and the wider community in Hong Kong.
The Shaw Foundation was established in 1973 by late entertainment magnate Run Run Shaw, who founded the film company Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong) in the 1950s and was one of the founding members of Television Broadcasts (TVB) in Hong Kong in 1967. It is dedicated to the promotion of education, scientific and technological research, medical and welfare services, and culture and the arts.
