About Me
Andy is an ambitious junior at the Hong Kong International School, driven by a diverse range of interests. Passionate about basketball, rugby, and fitness, he balances his athletic pursuits with a love for writing and raising awareness about important, often overlooked issues. A natural leader, Andy thrives in team environments where he collaborates to tackle challenges. As the class president, he initiated a project called "Overcoming Adversity Through Community," which highlights his belief in the power of collective effort. Recognizing the gaps in education within Hong Kong, Andy was inspired to create a tutoring program for refugees at the Refugee Union. This initiative pushed him beyond his comfort zone, emphasizing his proactive approach to making a difference. Andy’s experiences have honed his leadership and organizational skills, deepening his understanding of global issues. His motto, "Work hard today so tomorrow gets easier," encapsulates his dedication to personal and community growth, reflecting his commitment to creating lasting positive change.
Project Description
Open Doors is a student-led organization dedicated to providing quality education and academic support to refugee children in the Refugee Union. Every week, our team of passionate volunteers tutors children aged 6-15 for two hours, helping them navigate their homework and master challenging concepts across all subjects. Our goal is to empower these children through education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in Hong Kong and beyond.
To date, we have been working closely with refugee families, listening to their needs, and tailoring our tutoring sessions to ensure every child receives personalized support. Beyond our weekly sessions, we are actively engaging with other schools to collaborate on this initiative and are in the process of establishing an Open Doors club within our own school. This club will raise awareness about the refugee community and expand the network of student volunteers championing this cause.
Our vision goes beyond tutoring. We aim to raise awareness and advocate for systemic change by presenting our ideas to the Hong Kong government. Refugee children face unique challenges, including language barriers, as Hong Kong primarily operates in Cantonese. To address this, we are proposing a government-supported program that recruits a diverse group of educators who can teach in the mother tongue languages of refugee children. This initiative prioritizes accessibility, inclusivity, and quality education, ensuring that every refugee child has the opportunity to succeed academically and build a bright future.
At Open Doors, we believe that education is the key to unlocking potential, and we are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society where every child, regardless of their background, can flourish.