Changes in the school curriculum helped spur an interest in the work of charities such as Oxfam, says Paris Law Yuk-lan, education manager for Oxfam Hong Kong. Liberal studies, introduced as a compulsory subject in the new senior secondary curriculum in 2009, includes a module on globalisation which looks at issues like poverty and fair trade. It's why many schools encourage pupil involvement in charities and NGOs. Poverty also features in the geography curriculum. 'Schools are now more willing to look at social and development issues because they are linked to the curriculum,' Law says. 'A lot of teachers worry how to teach globalisation and we provide support and generate education resources and activities which they can use in school. We also have an interactive education centre. 'We find students like this kind of approach because they use a lot of drama and role play, and they can experience the daily life of poor people as well as exploring the critical issues behind poverty.' The International Baccalaureate, taught in several international schools, also requires older students to take part in some form of community service. Kids4Kids founder Michele Lai says this requirement brought her a number of young volunteers. 'Whatever reason they have for getting involved, be it writing about their experiences or completing community service hours, it's fine. I find once they get involved, their mindset changes. They enjoy the practical experience and being taken seriously,' Lai says.