Ways to help in the COVID-19 crisis
Message from HandsOn Hong Kong:
The closure of schools and shift to online learning during the COVID-19 crisis has left some students marginalized. Children with hearing impairments face challenges in hearing and understanding during online sessions with large class groups, which can impact their self-esteem and confidence to speak.
Additional support is needed from the volunteer community to help empower—and build the confidence of— these children in speaking English, as they begin to return to school in the next month.
HandsOn Hong Kong is delighted to partner with Bring Me A Book Hong Kong (BMABHK) and the Hong Kong Society for the Deaf, to launch an English language virtual storytelling program for children with hearing impairments.
These weekly sessions will be developed with the students’ needs in mind, connecting caring volunteers with a small group of children to instill a love of reading and boost their confidence in speaking English. Volunteers will be reading digital books recommended by BMABHK and encouraging the children to engage with the stories in a variety of fun ways.
For anyone interested in joining this program, it is a requirement to join an online training session through Zoom on Saturday May 30th at 10:00am. This will equip you to join future virtual storytelling opportunities with HandsOn. More details and a sign-up link are below.
Participating volunteers to this storytelling program must be available for one-hour every Saturday for at least a three-week period, starting from June 6th (at either 9:30am or 3:30pm). A detailed schedule will be provided during the training session.
Thank you in advance for taking part or helping us to spread the word. We are grateful to the HKEX Foundation for helping to make this program possible!
Best regards,
HandsOn Hong Kong Team
Be the Change. Volunteer
Training: Storytelling for children with hearing impairments
During this training the Hong Kong Society for the Deaf will be sharing tips for communicating with the children. Read-aloud training and storytelling skills will be provided by BMABHK trainer, Angie Lin. Angie has a Masters in Education from the University of British Columbia and conducts parent workshops, child workshops and storytelling across Hong Kong.
Date: Saturday 30th May
Time: 10:00 – 11:30am
Format: This online session will be conducted through Zoom.
Requirements: English speaking or bilingual volunteers age 18+.
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