[Programme Content]
The Student Affairs Office (SAO) launched SEN Me Your Love: Child Care Service for Families in Subdivided Units 2023/2024 on 10 October 2023. In collaboration with Sowers Action, the programme recruited 23 undergraduate students as volunteers to provide innovative and fun extracurricular learning and social activities for around 50 children with special educational needs (SEN) living in subdivided flats.
During the programme, the student volunteers organized a series of engaging themed events for the SEN children using fun stories as introductions, including “Bridge Builders,” “Board Game Day,” “Arts Day,” “Strawberry Harvest Day,” and “Sports Day.” Through these thoughtfully designed activities, the SEN children could enhance their physical fitness, develop teamwork, and strengthen their physical coordination abilities. Meanwhile, the programme also emphasized creating a nurturing and supportive environment to boost the children's self-esteem and confidence.
[Programme Objectives]
Create short breaks for SEN parents who lives in subdivided flats
Offer day-time care services which enable SEN children to try new experiences, fun, leisure and social activities
Build relationships with SEN students and families
[Exposure]
As a mentor with SEN students, you will able to:
Understand the difficulties of grassroots families and needs of SEN students
Learn the communication skills with SEN students
Develop the organizing skills and teamwork spirit
Receive a certificate of appreciation upon completion of the programme
On 7 October 2023 (Sat), the SAO organized a Communication Skills Workshop for students to prepare for the service. This workshop provided students with valuable insights into the everyday challenges experienced by families with children who have special educational needs (SEN). It also offered communication techniques to equip the students with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve SEN families better in the future.
On 11 November 2023 (Sat), it was the first meeting between the student volunteers and SEN children. Prior to the activity, the student volunteers took the initiative to organize various ice-breaking games and mini-games for the children. The purpose of these activities was to create a friendly and welcoming environment that would help establish connections and build relationships between the students and the children and make preparations for future activity days.
On 25 November 2023 (Sat), the student volunteers organized a board game day to improve SEN children’s coordination and concentration skills, emphasize the importance of teamwork, and allow them to express their feelings through various board games. In addition, the student volunteers designed different ice-breaking games, which helped them understand the characteristics and needs of the SEN children while also improving their communication skills and event planning abilities through interaction.
On 27 January 2024 (Sat), the student volunteers created an Arts Day for SEN children with the theme “Marvelous Expedition into the Oceanic Realm”. The Arts Day featured six activities, including painting, paper clay, and handicraft works. Its purpose was to create a supportive and encouraging environment that boosts self-esteem and confidence while fostering creativity and imagination among SEN children through artistic exploration.
On 24 February 2024 (Sat), 16 student volunteers and 16 children visited Long Ping Strawberry Vineyard together. The purpose was to provide an enjoyable and educational experience, strengthen relationships, and engage the children in picking strawberries. During the picking session, the students introduced different strawberry varieties, making it a fun and educational activity. Additionally, they prioritized the children's feelings and safety by ensuring a secure and comfortable environment to immerse themselves in and gain a sense of accomplishment.
On 23 March 2024 (Sat), 17 student volunteers organized various sports activities for children, including the “Endurance Assessment,” “Balance Test,” “Teamwork Assessment,” “Reaction Time Test,” and “High Jump Test.” The students employed an engaging background story to attract and encourage the children's participation, allowing them to develop teamwork, fitness, emotional regulation and stress management skills.
