Teacher who encourages students to help needy nominated for Spirit of Hong Kong Awards
- Principal Eric Yuon of Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College on Lantau Island wants young people to learn the lessons of life through community service
- Islands district council chairman Randy Yu has recommended him for the Spirit of Community award
It is 9am, and outside a community centre in Mui Wo, a group of eight students and four teachers are helping to distribute goodie bags among elderly people living in the neighbourhood.
The free gifts – sponsored by charitable organisations – include snack packs, masks and toilet rolls.
About two hours later, the same group of pupils from Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College is seen in Tai O, also on Lantau Island, stacking up small packets of rice to be handed out to senior citizens.
School principal Eric Yuon Fuk-lung, who led the volunteer team, said he hoped his students could learn more by taking part in community service.
“I want my students to learn to be grateful for what they already have, and to give back to the community,” he said.
I want my students to learn to respect our elders [through serving them in charitable activities]
The educator, known for leading the school on Lantau Island out of difficult times, attaches importance to help young people transform their lives. These efforts have become the forte of the secondary school, which had faced closure before he joined in 2009.
Under his leadership, the school has departed from the widespread fixation in Hong Kong on grades over other education goals.
“I want my students to learn to respect our elders [through serving them in charitable activities],” he said.
Yuon’s community work has earned him a nomination for the Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, co-organised by the South China Morning Post and property developer Sino Group. The awards aim to celebrate the achievements of remarkable people whose endeavours may not come to public notice.
Spirit of Hong Kong Awards return to honour unsung heroes of the community
Islands district council chairman Randy Yu Hon-kwan has recommended the educator for the Spirit of Community award, which recognises individuals who dedicate their time and energy to help and serve the community or those in need, as well as in making a positive impact.
“[The school] has brought positive energy into the community,” Yu said.
“Its students are so well trained that they are always ready to help and do good in Tai O.”
He recalled that students from the school had helped with the evacuation of elderly residents when fire ripped through a cluster of stilt houses in the fishing village in May 2013.
The secondary school has about 300 students, of which 170 are non-Chinese.
Vice-principal Rosita Tsui Wai-yee said the school encouraged its students to join community activities, such as raising funds and paying home visits to the elderly.
Discipline master Lam Fung said up to 90 per cent of his students took part in community events, including those relating to Chinese traditional festivals.
“Students are given opportunities to try out different things,” he said.
“Our students may perform Chinese lion dances, receive guests or emcee the events.”
