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Jockey Club extends autism support programme in face of mounting service demand

07/09/2018

Since 2015, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has been collaborating with The University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Education Bureau and six NGOs to implement the JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network, a pioneering, three-year support programme for autistic students in local mainstream schools and their parents. In view of the accelerating service demand for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) support, the Club has now committed funding of over HK$240 million to continue the programme for another three years and expand its reach in collaboration with HKU, the Education Bureau and eight NGOs.

Today (9 July) the Club’s Executive Director, Charities & Community, Leong Cheung, joined Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung and HKU Acting President & Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Tam to officiate at the JC A-ConnectPhase II launch ceremony.

 “With the concerted efforts of our project partners, 425 mainstream primary and secondary schools have so far taken part in JC A-Connect, which equates to40% of total schools in Hong Kong and exceeds our target by over 70%,” Mr Cheung said. “The programme has directly benefited over 5,000 ASD students, amounting to over half of all ASD students in those schools. We are encouraged that 90% of the participating students have shown marked improvements in communication skills, emotional expression and control after the training, which is helping them integrate better into mainstream school life and the study environment. We hope the second phase of the programme can further enhance the long-term development of autism support in Hong Kong.”

During the three-year extension period, JC A-Connect will be expanded to reach out to more schools. A total of 3,700 coaching programmes will be conducted at 500 mainstream schools, benefiting an average of 5,700 students each year. The long-term aim of JC A-Connect is to scale up school-based assistance and mainstream the service model to sustain support for ASD students in the local school system. All valuable data and teaching resources will be consolidated and shared for the reference of local, Mainland and overseas policy-makers and social service providers.

A train-the-trainer model will be adopted with advanced training to be provided for NGO supervisors and advisors, experienced teachers and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) to develop a sustainable learning and knowledge sharing circle. Some 120 NGO professionals, along with 4,000 teachers and SENCOs, will be trained in the coming three years. In addition, a series of community engagement activities will be conducted during Phase II of JC A-Connect to enhance public understanding and social acceptance of ASD, and reduce social stigma. International conferences will also be organised to facilitate knowledge exchange among local and overseas experts.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2016/17, the Club’s total direct return to the community was HK$30.5 billion. It is Hong Kong's largest single taxpayer, one of the city’s major employers and one of the world's top ten charity donors. The Club is always "riding high together for a better future" with the people of Hong Kong.


Picture 1:
The Club’s Executive Director, Charities & Community, Leong Cheung (left) joins Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung (centre) and HKU Acting President & Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Tam (right) at the launch ceremony for Phase II of JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network.


Picture 2:
The Club’s Executive Director, Charities and Community, Leong Cheung says 90% of the students participating in Phase I of JC A-Connect have shown marked improvements in communication skills, emotional expression and control, which is helping them integrate better into mainstream school life and the study environment.


Picture 3:
Officiating guests with partners of Phase II of JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network.