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2015 Newsletter

SUMMERBRIDGE HONG KONG

Welcome to our 2015 Newsletter! We are thrilled to share highlights of this past year including our 2015 Summer Program, sponsor engagements, and a few featured stories. It has been an inspirational year! Many of our students’ educational and life paths have been positively shifted to a successful trajectory and our student teachers have been moved with a greater sense to give back to their own communities and some have even been inspired to pursue a career in education. With the belief that all students deserve access to quality education, no matter their socioeconomic background, Summerbridge Hong Kong has strived to play a role in narrowing the opportunity gap in this city. We recognize that our successes deserve to be credited to the generous community alongside us. We are deeply grateful for all of the support given to keep our program going since 1992, without which we would be unable to continue our work. Thank you very much for all of your support!

CONTACT US

ADDRESS: Offices A&B, 20/F Kam Chung Commercial Building, 19-21 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

STUDENTS TEACHING STUDENTS!

T: (852) 2761-4444 F: (852) 2762-1019 E: shirley@summerbridge.org.hk

W: www.summerbridge.org.hk Facebook.com/SummerbridgeHongKong

Teaching Students

Students!

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One of our sites at South Island School this summer.

Our 2015 Summer Program successfully wrapped up in August! Both students and student teachers left the program having stretched their potential. For our students, they challenged themselves in the intensive 5-weeks to step out of their comfort zones to learn many new things they never thought were possible. For example, to listen and speak English all the time, perform skits and cheers on stage, and even teach a lesson to their peers and teachers towards the end of the program. Academically, students learned various exciting subjects such as “Forensic Science”, "Greek Mythology", and "Marketing" within a class of about 8-10 students. Students had their view of themselves and of learning positively change - key to their educational success. For our student teachers, it was a 7-week commitment inclusive of a week’s teacher training and an evaluation week at the end. The group was multi-cultural, enthusiastic, diversely talented, and above all going above and beyond to support the students. Many student teachers have expressed that the experience has inspired them to pursue a career in education and to intentionally seek more ways to give back to their communities.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM

We held two sites at Island School this summer.

2015 SUMMER PROGRAM(continued)

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PHYSICS FAIR & MARKETING SIMULATION!

All Summerbridge academic lessons are interactive and engaging. Two particular classes engaged the whole site with a Physics Fair and Marketing Simulation! Students from Physics class proudly showcased their science experiments, while teaching other students their learned Physics concepts. Students from Marketing class promoted and sold their homemade products for “Summerbridge currency” with their learned marketing skills.

Hands-on Learning

Mrs. Cathy Lee, visited our Summer Program to meet our students and share her thoughts on the value of pursuing education. Mrs. Lee also generously gave our students each an autographed book with the message to keep on learning.

SUMMERBRIDGE’S HONORARY PATRON, MRS. CATHY LEE

Students teach the word-of-the-day through a skit.

Weekly, students participate in a Special Event. Above photo shows “Student Teaching Day”, where students become teachers and lead a lesson that they plan!

Special Visit

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We learn a lot of interesting subjects and do activities that I have never heard before.

Summerbridge is just like a big family and I feel so much love. You really can’t find a place like this in Hong Kong.

I didn’t know how and didn’t like to express myself until I met Summerbridge.

In this big family, I saw people supporting each other and expressing themselves bravely. It’s so beautiful and powerful. I have never seen that before and I never thought I could

do the same. Summerbridge taught me everything is possible.

I love the atmosphere during the class, because the teachers always plan lots of activities for us to make it fun and easier to understand. Our English has improved.

We have become leaders and we are much more motivated to keep on learning!

Now I am not afraid to use English to talk with anyone. When I first came to Summerbridge, I felt very shy and didn’t talk a lot. But the teachers and returning students gave me a lot of support and made me feel so warm.

They always told me “Don't be afraid, keep trying.”

POLLY KAN NEW STUDENT

BEN TSANG RETURNING STUDENT

CONNIE TANG NEW STUDENT

CRYSTAL CHAN RETURNING STUDENT

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

An article featured in Skidmore College: Inspiring Hope in Hong Kong

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Never have I been so challenged both mentality and physically, but these extreme environments brought up a lot of things within myself and brought me closer to staff and students. The main aspect of Summerbridge that I believe in is the constant support that surrounds you. Support is not only for the students but for the staff as well. By showing [the students] constant support and love, you really get to see them blossom in a relative short amount of time. This is the magical thing about Summerbridge.

I went into Summerbridge not knowing what to expect and thinking that I would simply be teaching English for the summer. I left Summerbridge more confident than before, with unforgettable memories and a deep understanding of how education, when focused solely on children's positive growth in knowledge and their own abilities, can change lives. I realized how meaningful the chance to teach others and in return receive so much encouragement and positive energy from this community could be.

I feel like the five weeks of Summerbridge made me a richer person overall, in terms of passion, inspiration and emotional attachment. To me, the most unexpected outcome of the program was the strength of the bonds that I formed with the students. Furthermore, I myself became thorough with my own passion by teaching about it to others. Overall, I feel that everyone should teach while they are students because once you’re at the other side of the table, you value your own teachers so much more.

[ I want them to] realize how exciting school can

really be and to challenge themselves in ways they

never have. I want them to speak up again, to be

curious, and to learn for themselves.

- Kevin Wang

STUDENT TEACHER TESTIMONIALS

Vanisha Sharma The University of Hong Kong

John McAllister The University of Edinburgh

Shirin Chen Brown University

Kevin Wang, one of our student teachers this summer, was featured in his University’s publications sharing his Summerbridge teaching experience and his inspiring journey towards pursuing a career as an educator. We are proud and honored to have had Kevin leave a large impact on our students this summer! View the artic le here: http://bit.ly/1PqOXKy

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Gaining Hope: inspired towards higher education

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William was a Summerbridge student in 2011 & 2012; he returned to be on our staff this summer as a teacher’s assistant. This year, William has also been accepted into University (Baptist University, School of Business)! William mentioned a humbling fact: if it were not for Summerbridge, the thought of entering University was nonexistent. Through consistent attention and encouragement, William changed; with opportunity, he saw his potential and gradually believed in himself. Specifically, William’s view on education shifted. He became determined to give his 100% to pursue his dreams - which starts with higher education. With his heart of giving back and appreciative demeanor, William intends to always seek to give back to his community in any way he can.

Summerbridge has changed my life! “

A Transformative Opportunity

Through the “UWC Scholarship Scheme”, Li Po Chun United World College has provided full scholarships to six of our students to attend their globally recognized high school. This year, two students, Caroline Poon and Candice Kwok, have been accepted. It is a giant shift to study within the renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) program; our students are doing well and treasure the continued exposure to an International community. Thank you UWC for this partnership and providing such a platform for our students.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without it. With the support from the teachers, I have not only improved my English, but I started to believe in life changing life. That’s why I decided to give back to this wonderful community. I’ve found you can be who you really are and the true meaning of love and selflessness here.

- William Lun

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT

Gaining a Global Perspective: exchange program in Italy Shakta was a Summerbridge student in 2012 & 2013; she returned to be on staff as an Office Assistant over the recent two years. This year, Shakta is on an exchange program in Italy! Hear her Summerbridge journey and impact it has had on her:

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!now I’m not too afraid of stepping out and speaking! “ Summerbridge has really changed me a lot: from a girl who had no dreams and not much confidence, till now making such a big decision to go on a year of exchange and

!Summerbridge has given us a very good English environment to learn, but this is not only a place for us to learn but also a place to have fun and grow. How nice this place is! I do really like to thank Summerbridge for improving me so much! Loads of Summerbridge love!

- Shakta Leung!

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Sponsor Engagements Summerbridge is thankful for the heartfelt support from our sponsors to engage with our program and students. Both students and volunteers gain from their cross-cultural experience. Sponsor volunteers have the opportunity to give back by sharing their professional experiences with our students as they gain a greater understanding of the local community through its youth. Students are exposed to wider diversity and build their confidence in their interpersonal and English communication skills.

“It’s always been very encouraging and positive to work with the students from Summerbridge. Through the

project, I was able to gain more awareness of myself

and the responsibilities that we all should have to make

an impact to society.”

- Goldman Sachs Employee -

SCHOOL YEAR EVENTS

Featured Charity Moment Watches launched a special watch design competition, in which part of the sales of the winning design would be used to support Summerbirdge. Thank you, Moment Watches, for featuring Summerbridge as the charity of choice.

“Bowling Olympics” with Goldman Sachs

“Teamwork Building Day Camp” with Goldman Sachs

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Summerbridge Hong Kong

Charity WALKAT H O N

Sunday, February 28 2016

At Bowen Road, Central

Further details to be confirmed - we will post updates on our website.

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Join Summerbridge for our 2nd Walkathon fundraising event! A large Thank You to all who had participated in our 1st event, helping to raise over HK$1 million in support of our program. We are humbled at the incredible local and overseas support shown and cannot wait to hold the event again. Through walking/giving, you are investing in both local and global young people - our students and student teachers. You will help improve the educational paths of our students, while inspiring our high school and university student teachers to strengthen their sense of civic duty and passion to educate. You will be playing an important role in a movement of positively impacting the futures of youth who may not get such an opportunity otherwise. We hope to see you there!

UPCOMING EVENT

DIAMOND SPONSORS • Ryoden Development Ltd. • Parkland Property Management Ltd.

GOLD SPONSORS • KC Maritime Ltd. • Rusy M. Shroff (Mr.), BBS, MBE, and Purviz R. Shroff (Mrs.)

SILVER SPONSORS • Shui On Seagull Club • Sun Hung Kai Properties Charitable Fund Limited

SPONSORS • Henderson Land Development Company Limited • Search Investment Group Limited

Thank you to our 2014 Walkathon Event Sponsors:

IN-KIND SPONSORS • Bonaqua® Mineralized Water for providing water for the event • b.yu Designs for designing the Summerbridge Walkathon T-shirt • Creative Secondary School for providing assistance with event

set-up materials • JustGiving for providing an online fundraising platform for the

event • New Gift for providing the Summerbridge Walkathon towel and

water bottle for each walker • Salvaje for providing live music and entertainment

~ Save The Date ~

Summerbridge would like to give a huge Thank You to all of the support from the many individuals, foundations, and corporations who invest in us. Our program would not be possible if not for the charitable efforts, time, and financial support given through the years! Thank you to the following sponsors and community partners of our 2014 and 2015 Fiscal Year:

Make a Donation! Be part of our movement through making a donation! Your contribution will go towards providing transformational educational opportunities for our students and inspiring teaching experiences for our student teachers. (www.summerbridge.org.hk)

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DONATION DETAILS!

CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION DONORS • Bless Hong Kong • Henderson Land Development Company Limited • General Atlantic Corporation • The CLSA Chairman's Trust • Target Corporation

• Chantecler Hong Kong Limited • Christian Dior Far East Ltd. • Consular Corps Spouses Committee • Dr. Pauline Chan Charitable Foundation • Gap Inc. • Glamour To Give Charity Limited • Hong Kong – Taiwan Business Cooperation Committee • Island School • Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation • SanDisk Corporation Fund

• Search Investment Group Limited • The Frans Loing Charitable Foundation • The Hong Kong Metropolitan Sports Events

Association Limited • The Incorporated Trustees of The Cheng Foundation • The Lai Shiu On Tong Foundation • The Leung Hon Hung Scholarship Fund • The Shamdasani Foundation • The Yu Lee Mo Fan Charitable Foundation • Yearfull Contracting Limited

INDIVIDUAL DONORS • Ms. Cheng, Gigi • Mr. Cheng, King Hung • Mr. Griffiths, Anthony • Mr. Koo, Kingsley • Mr. Koo, Wellington • Mr. Lee, Edwin • Miss Ma, Christine • Mrs. Shroff, Purviz • Mr. Tam, Sze Lok • Mr. Wong, Christian

IN MEMORY OF JAMES SING IN-KIND DONATIONS

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

• Ms. Chong, Linda • Mr. Duhn, Clif • Mr. Fogarty, James • Mr. Fowler, James • Ms. Ingkavet, Monica • Mr. Johnson, Holly • Ms. Kong, Yoon Ping S • Mr. Kwok, Robert • Mr. Kwon, Yul • Lam, Y. Mei • Miss Lee, Rose • Ms. Lee, Jayne • Mr. Lee, Thomas • Mr. Ling, Evan • Mr. Marr, Gregory

• Ms. Ngan, Prudence • Ms. Sing, Nancy • Mr. Sing, Allen • Mr. Sobolewski, Grant • Mr. Stevens, Randy • Tong, Wei-Lin • Ms. Truong, Wendy

• Bradbury School • Breakthrough Collaborative • Buddhist Chi King Primary School • Canadian International School • Chewmania • Chinese International School • City University of Hong Kong • Coca-Cola • Creative Secondary School

• Oriental Overseas Services (HK) Limited • Peak School • Quarry Bay School • Sarah Roe School • Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts • Shatin College • South China Morning Post • South Island School • St. Stephen’s Girls’ College • Swire Group

• Tastee Gourmet Asia Company Limited • The Anne Black YWCA • The Langham, Hong Kong • The University of Hong Kong • The Walt Disney Company (Asia Pacific)

Limited • West Island School • Workers’ Children Secondary School • Y-Loft Youth Square

• Prof. Chiu, Marcus • Ms. Jong, Yvette • Ms. Meiburg, Debra MW • Prof. Wong, Victor

• Mrs. Cathy Lee for her continual effort and support as our Honorary Patron. • The English Schools Foundation for providing school facilities. • Island School for providing school facilities. • South Island School for providing school facilities. • Canadian International School for providing school facilities for our leadership training. • BDO Limited for serving as Summerbridge’s honorary auditors.

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• Mr. Tsai, Minh • Ms. Wang, Linda • Mr. Wofsy, Kevin • Ms. Wong, Elizabeth • Ms. Woo, Alice • Mr. Young, Mark • Mr. Yung, Eric

• Deansee Limited • Eaton Smart, Hong Kong • Futurestep Hong Kong Limited • Henderson Hotel Management Limited • Hong Kong Baptist University • Hong Kong Polytechnic University • Island School • Karavansara Retreat and Residences

• Kenfil Hong Kong Limited • Kennedy School • King George V School • Kwoon Chung Motors Company Limited • Langham Place, Hong Kong • Motorola

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

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APPLY TO BE A STUDENT TEACHER Who should apply?

1) Full time students between 16 - 22 years old 2) Interested in working with young students in

Hong Kong / teaching / community service 3) No Cantonese necessary, but good English

skills is required

Who should apply?

1) Form 2 students 2) Interested in spending a meaningful

summer of learning different subjects / skills 3) Interested in meeting and learning from

people from around the world

APPLY TO BE A STUDENT

For non-HK citizens: February 26, 2016

For Hong Kong citizens: March 11, 2016

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE

Parents Conference (for students)

Staff Introduction Day

Administrative Training

Student Teacher Orientation

Student Introduction Day

Classes in Session

Evaluation Week

Student-Teacher Conference

Program Dates

June 11

June 18

June 20 - 21

June 24 - July 5

July 2

July 6 - August 7

August 8 - 12

August 9

www.summerbridge.org.hk

Thank you for all of your support!

We have started our recruitment for the 2016 Summer Program! Interested in being a Summerbridge student or student teacher? Please see below!

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2016 SUMMER PROGRAM INFORMATION

Be a part of our 2016 Summerbridge Family!

APPLICATION DEADLINE

March 29, 2016

APPLICATION DEADLINE