Local students talked up a storm in English at the weekend to raise $15,000 for Operation Santa Claus to help children with learning disabilities. About 250 pupils from 10 schools in Kowloon and the New Territories gathered at Phoenix International School in Cheung Sha Wan for two, two-hour sessions. The event, run by the English Schools Foundation's Active English project, included speaking English, as well as games, aerobics and dancing to Christmas music. The pupils were helped by English-speaking 'Santas' - 35 students and five teachers from Phoenix International, South Island and King George V schools. Each participant donated at least $50 to this year's beneficiary, the Pathways Foundation, which was set up last year to provide support for children with specific learning disabilities. A student from STFA Ho Yat Tung Primary School, Elaine Lee, said she was nervous because this was her first time speaking English to international students. 'But I'm also excited. It's also good to give money to Operation Santa Claus because I can help a lot of other children,' she said. The project's manager, Graham Young, said a $50 donation was worthwhile and 'cheaper than hiring a tutor'. Schools paid for students who could not afford the donation. Special thanks to Padma and Hari Harilela and the Harilela Group for their donations. Donations can be made by contacting the Operation Santa Claus Office on 2251 1550 or sending a cheque payable to Operation Santa Claus 2002, Bank of China Tower, Level 25, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong. For more details, visit the Operation Santa Claus Web site at www.rthk.org.hk/special/santa2002 Graphic: OSANTCGWK
