Hong Kong – Children and adolescents with outstanding achievements commended in 2024 Award Presentation Ceremony for DSW wards (with photos)
Children and adolescents with outstanding achievements commended in 2024 Award Presentation Ceremony for DSW wards (with photos)
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The Acting Director of Social Welfare (DSW), Ms Wong Yin-yee, joined the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), Mr Herman Wai, in a joyful reunion with over 180 DSW wards as well as children and adolescents receiving residential care services from the TWGHs today (March 16) at the 2024 Award Presentation Ceremony for DSW wards co-organised by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) and the TWGHs. Those who showed great improvements or made remarkable achievements in the previous year were commended at the ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Wong expressed her appreciation to the awardees for their determination to strive for excellence, persistence in overcoming difficulties in their daily lives and studies as well as positive attitude in embracing challenges. She also extended her gratitude to the relatives, foster parents, carers, volunteers and social workers of the children and adolescents for their love and companionship which support the children in coping with different challenges along their growth journey.
She said that it is a common aspiration and responsibility of the whole society to create a healthy and happy environment for the children. The Government has been taking forward different measures to ensure that proper care and protection are provided for children and adolescents without adequate parental care or those with emergency care needs. These include the increase in the number of residential child care service places as well as a substantial increase in the incentive payment for foster parents starting from next month and the provision of additional support to foster families with children having special learning or care needs in order to encourage more willing individuals to become foster families.
Ms Wong also thanked the TWGHs for their continuous support for the event as well as the encouragement and blessings for the children and adolescents under guardianship all along.
At the ceremony today, a total of 44 children and adolescents were presented with either the Best Achievement Awards or the Best Improvement Awards.
Twenty-year-old Kai-ho is one of the recipients of the Best Achievement Award. Kai-ho has become a DSW ward and has been receiving residential services since 2018 when his father passed away due to illness and his ill-health mother could not take care of him. With the support and encouragement of social workers, Kai-ho showed great perseverance despite the challenges in his daily life and studies. Having completed a diploma course in Food and Beverage Operations at the Vocational Training Council (VTC) in June 2023, Kai-ho has been selected by the VTC as a graduate trainee in light of his outstanding performance. Setting his sights on the motherland and the world, Kai-ho not only represented Hong Kong to participate in the China and Greater Bay Area KamCha Competition in Guangzhou last year, but has also recently become the winner in Restaurant Service in the WorldSkills Hong Kong Competition 2023. He will represent Hong Kong to compete in Finland and France this year.
Another awardee of the Best Achievement Award is Cherianne, a 17-year-old teenager who is receiving residential care services from the TWGHs. Cherianne, coming from a single-parent family, was found suffering from an illness which caused some difficulties in her physical mobility when she was still a young kid. Cherianne did not give up, but strived to undergo rehabilitation training persistently. Maintaining independence in her daily life, Cherianne is now a Secondary Six student sitting for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination this year. Cherianne remains positive despite the challenges in her daily life and she never hesitates to strive for excellence. As a member of the school’s track and field team and football team as well as a representative of her school in different competitions, Cherianne has been awarded with various prizes and scholarships. She will also represent the youth of Hong Kong to participate in a youth forum in Australia this year and exchange views with young people from around the world.
With the prime concern on the best interests of children and adolescents, the SWD’s caseworkers would, depending on individual case merits, consider applying for wardship for a case in accordance with the court procedures stipulated in the Protection of Children and Juveniles Ordinance (Cap. 213). Children and adolescents are made wards of the DSW for various reasons, such as death, loss, imprisonment, long-term hospitalisation or incapability of their parents, or their being unable or unsuitable to live with their family members. The SWD’s caseworkers would also draw up appropriate long-term welfare plans for them according to the family conditions and needs of the wards, such as arranging for adoption or reunion with their families, or preparing them to live independently when they become adults.
As at the end of December 2023, there were a total of 785 DSW wards. Among them, 48 per cent lived in foster care homes or small group homes. Thirty-three per cent lived in institutions while the rest may be subject to other arrangements, such as living with their relatives.
KATHMANDU, Nepal – WEBWIRE – Tuesday, February 13, 2024
100 days after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Nepal on 3 November 2023, UNICEF is calling for continued support for 68,000 children and their families in the affected areas and appealing for US$14.7 million in funding to help rebuild the lives of the affected children. The earthquake, with its epicentre in Jajarkot District of Karnali Province, killed 154 people and injured 366. Half the dead, 81, were children. The earthquake also damaged homes, schools, health facilities and water supply infrastructure, which disrupted critical services for children. Around 200,000 people, including 68,000 children, many of whom spent a cold winter in temporary shelters, still need humanitarian assistance to rebuild their lives. Three months on, following a harsh winter, thousands of children affected by the destructive earthquake in western Nepal continue to face daily hardships. They are still dealing with the trauma of losing loved ones. Their development is at risk as they lost their belongings, homes and schools, among others saidAlice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal. Even as temperatures rise, the needs are still high as children require nutritious food, clean water, education and shelter. One of the best ways to rebuild childrens lives and restore a sense of normalcy is to get them back to school and learning, so that they can play with their friends, learn and heal. Immediately after the earthquake, UNICEF was on the ground with the government and partners to provide children and their families with life-saving supplies such as tarpaulins, blankets, medical tents, recreational and educational kits, and hygiene materials. The earthquake damaged 898 school buildings (294 fully damaged, 604 partially damaged), impacting education of around 134,000 school-aged children. Out of these, over 17,000 children have gone back to school, thanks to 223 temporary learning centres set up by UNICEF with support of the development partners. In addition, transitional learning centres, which can withstand extreme weather conditions, are being set up so that children can continue their education until school buildings are fully repaired. Furthermore, UNICEF, working with local governments and partners, also helped to repair 565 damaged toilets and construct 251 temporary toilets. Support was also provided for the Governments campaign to vaccinate children against deadly diseases such as measles, rubella and typhoid. But much more needs to be done to support children and their families. So far only 7 per cent of UNICEFs US$15.7 million appeal has been funded, a large proportion of which includes financing from theUNICEF Global Humanitarian Thematic Fund, the most flexible form of funding allowing for rapid and strategic responses by UNICEF to humanitarian crises, as well as support fromUNICEF National Committees. UNICEF is calling for US$14.7 million in additional funding to continue providing life-saving support to children. UNICEF thanks all our donors and supporters who have provided the much-needed resources. However, additional efforts are required to help restore lives and give children hope for the future, added Akunga. UNICEF is committed to working with the Government of Nepal, partners and donors to help children and young people in desperate need of support. We are calling for investment from donors and partners so that we can continue to provide life-saving supplies and services to help children survive and thrive. ### NOTES Note: UN agencies with the Government of Nepal are developing a plan for medium-term recovery in earthquake-affected areas. More information available on request. About UNICEF UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – WEBWIRE – Friday, February 9, 2024
Escalating violence in easternDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC)has forced at least 78,000 children to flee their homes in the past week, with thousands now on the road to Goma, Save the Children said. The renewed fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and M23, a non-state armed group, has displaced at least 150,000 people, more than half of them children, since February 2. Parents have reported that many children have been separated in the violence, although the number of lost children is unknown. Families are seeking refuge in displacement camps, churches, schools and with host families, with thousands now on the road looking for safety in Goma, the provinces capital. The use of artillery, drones, and explosives in eastern DRC is killing and injuring civilians and damaging and destroying essential infrastructure, said Save the Children. According to local media sources,19 people have been killed and 27 others injuredin the violence, includingthree young girls. A market was hit on February 7, and munitions also landed inside a school courtyard and close to a hospital. All schools in the area remain closed. Alicia*, who works at a Save the Children partner school in North Kivu, recounted the events on February 2:It was last Friday around 5 p.m. that we heard bullets. Everyone fled in their own direction. Some children were even lost and have not yet been found. Many parents are crying about the disappearance of their children, but the number of children lost is not yet known. The road was cut off. Shops were looted. Schools have been closed, and children are no longer studying. In addition, we are not going to return unless the situation improves. The DRC has long suffered from repeated cycles of influx of refugees, conflicts and unrest. Today, more than 25 million people are in dire need of humanitarian aid to survive, and over seven million are displaced. The current wave of violence follows a tumultuous year of heightened outbreaks of conflict in 2023 when intensified fighting in the east of the country between various groups displaced more than 1 million people, including at least 500,000 children. By the end of 2023, North Kivu alone had more than 2.4 million people internally displaced, according to the UNHCR. Greg Ramm, Save the Children Country Director in DRC, said:Children in eastern DRC are living through yet another nightmare. Abrupt violence on the weekend has separated children from their families and forcibly torn them away from their homes. Families are now seeking refuge in schools, churches, and hospitals, hoping they wont get caught in the crossfire. Meanwhile, host families, already stretched thin, are stepping up amid this deepening crisis. This region has endured persistent violence, with children growing up in a relentless cycle of death, destruction, and displacement. Children in the DRC are not only witnessing the horrors of conflict but are also being recruited into violent armed groups, facing catastrophic hunger and enduring sexual abuse. Urgent and resolute action is imperative to break the cycle of suffering for these innocent lives. The rights and well-being of children across DRC must be prioritised. Children cannot continue to be caught in the crossfire. Save the Children calls for stronger and more consistent systems to hold to account the perpetrators of crimes affecting children. We call for all those involved in the fighting to affirm and adhere to international laws, human rights provisions, and rules and standards designed to protect children. Children and their families are finding it nearly impossible to access services needed for their protection and survival. The only safe route to access the displaced population is via boat. Save the Children has worked in the DRC since 1994 to meet humanitarian needs linked to the arrival of refugees and the displacement of populations due to armed conflict in eastern provinces. Save the Children has scaled up its humanitarian response to support existing care systems, training local leaders and communities to prevent and respond to exploitation and abuse and ensuring access to healthcare through mobile clinics. It is also helping children access basic education by building classrooms, training teachers, and distributing learning materials. ### Save the Childrenbelieves every child deserves a future. Sinceour foundingmore than 100 years ago, weve beenadvocating for the rights of childrenworldwide. In theUnited Statesandaround the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity tolearnandprotectionfrom harm. We do whatever it takes for children every dayandin times of crisis transforming the future we share. Ourresults,financial statementsandcharity ratingsreaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust.
Children celebrate Christmas in hospitals (with photos)
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The DKCH has brought back its tradition this year. Healthcare workers dressed up as Santa Claus and cartoon characters, riding in animal-themed vehicles for a parade accompanied by Christmas dogs, to visit the hospitalised children. The hospital held a party in the garden and arranged magic, drum and bicycle stunts performance. There were also group games and Christmas carol singing. The healthcare workers distributed gifts and arranged a festive Christmas meal for the children, bringing them a joyful Christmas day.
The HKCH earlier arranged an array of Christmas programmes for its patients to feel the healing power of music and loving care from others. Volunteer musicians brought beautiful festive music to the wards, and staff members put together a Christmas show to spread holiday cheers. A Christmas party was also held at the hospital lobby where children had loads of fun watching dance performances, magic tricks and playing game booths. On Christmas day, a group of healthcare staff brightened up the wards with Christmas carols and surprise gifts to send blessings to children and parents.
The Hospital Authority wishes the children a peaceful and joyful Christmas and a speedy recovery.
Washington, D.C. – WEBWIRE – Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The Biden administrations ban on asylum, announced today, undermines therights and safety of hundreds of thousands of migrant children and families, most of whom are fleeing unimaginable violence and disasters. Save the Children strongly opposes this ban, and haslong urgedthe Biden administration not to enact such devastating restrictions.This ban will go into effect tomorrow, whenTitle 42ends. In barring asylum, the United States government is subjecting asylum-seeking families and children to moreand unnecessarydanger and violence, said Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children. The asylum ban will cause family separations and force children and families to seek refuge in countries in which asylum protections are lacking or non-existent. The United States must be committed to protecting human rights and providing a safe haven for those in need. As weve said time and time again, while we understand the complexities of rebuilding a broken immigration system, policies that put children and families in danger are not the solutiontheyre unacceptable, morally and legally. Victoria Ward, Regional Director for Save the Children in Latin America and the Caribbean, said: While we welcome the potential for simpler asylum processing, some of the new measures in this policy could increase the dangers facing migrant children and their families. We also worry that more children will travel unaccompanied. Other potential threats to children and families under this new policy are an increased risk of deportation from countries throughout the region once they leave their nation of origin. It is also possible that across the Americas we will see increases and xenophobia and discrimination against migrants and higher rates of sexual exploitation, violence from gangs, and organized traffickers. The organization also notes that the new policy does not address childrens unique needs. We are concerned about how rapid expulsions and asylum applications could affect children and adolescents, especially those who are unaccompanied, said Ward. In Latin America and the Caribbean, Save the Children is assessing the situation in the countries that will be the most impacted by the changes that these measures could cause. Guatemala and Colombia are a particular focus, as they will host regional centers announced by the US administration. One of the organizations concerns is the lack of information about how children and families on the move to the US should proceed when the new policy goes into effect. In the United States, Save the Childrentogether with its US political advocacy arm,Save the Children Action Networkwill continue to advocate on behalf of children and families to ensure their rights are upheld, and that they are treated legally and humanely, with dignity and respect. And, in partnership with a network of shelters and social service agencies across the length of the U.S.-southern border, Save the Children stands ready to welcome migrants and support any increased humanitarian needs that may arise. ### Save the Childrenbelieves every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, weve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children every day and in times of crisis transforming their lives and the future we share.
68,000 children affected by Nepal earthquake still need urgent assistance – UNICEF
DRC: At Least 78,000 Children Displaced and Families Ripped Apart As Fighting Escalates
Hong Kong – Children celebrate Christmas in hospitals (with photos)
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Christmas is a time for celebration. The Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital at Sandy Bay (DKCH) and Hong Kong Children’s Hospital (HKCH) arranged a series of Christmas activities for their children so as to let them enjoy the happiness of festive season, even staying in hospital. Asylum Ban Undermines Rights and Safety of Children Fleeing Danger—Save the Children
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