The Jane Goodall Institute has opened its first Hong Kong office to offer support for student-led community initiatives.
The Quarry Bay office will co-ordinate the Hong Kong branch of the institute's Roots and Shoots programme, aimed at encouraging youth to improve their communities.
The programme, with more than HK$1million in funding from the government and private donors, starts this academic year. It will focus on primary and secondary schools and will support more than 100 student-led projects over the next three years.
It will help student groups to plan, develop and implement their ideas. Classes will be offered to teach students to finance projects.
'We are holding a Roots and Shoots day of peace on September 20 to raise awareness of our presence,' said the institute's programme manager Corinne Kassay.
The institute's first local event will include a peace walk at The Peak, face painting and seminars.
Roots and Shoots will also provide courses such as English through the Environment to help students improve their language skills while taking part in environmental activities.