“I have built cruise terminal as well as the largest train station in Hong Kong, but these achievements do not give me as much satisfaction and joy when compared to building “Sensory Garden”. Because children can really enjoy themselves and have a great time, which make me happy as well.” Ms Abigail Tam, Architect of Dragages Hong Kong, said.
The “Sensory Garden for Social Integration” is the cross sector partnership and volunteering project by Dragages Hong Kong and Hong Chi Winifred Mary Cheung Morninghope School. They involved over 2 years for preparation and collected the design from the special educational needs (SEN) students. They also spent another two years by our volunteers during weekends to perfect the design.
“Sensory integration is the key of learning for SEN students. Learning is a natural and straightforward process to ordinary people, but it is incredibly difficult for our students as their abilities in sensory integration, especially concerning the five senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch, are flawed compared to ordinary students. Sometimes their abilities may be overly strong or weak. That is why we need to provide a variety of learning opportunities according to their challenges and limitations, in a bid to strengthen this “key of integration” and drive their abilities to learn.” Mr W C Chau, Principal of Hong Chi Winifred Mary Cheung Morninghope School, said.
The design of this Sensory Garden was based on our five senses. “Such as the zone of smell. Where children can smell, touch and interact with different natural aromatic herbs and substances. There is also a water playground for sensory stimulation which prompts them to be more outgoing and less fearful of water.” Abigail said.
Otherwise, Sensory Garden provides the diversified educational choices for teachers. In the past, owing to the constraints in the school environment, most activities took place within the classrooms. Now the teachers are able to provide a huge varieties of activities in an equally diverse settings. Mr Chau said “Through the Sensory Garden, our students are better involved in the school life and throughout their learning. We also persuade both the students and the parents to participate in the activities of the Sensory Garden. And their feedbacks are very supportive.”
Win-Win situation in Cross Sector Partnership
“I believe that it is incredible and amazing that Dragages Hong Kong manages to attract other companies and interested parties participating in volunteer services together.” Mr Chau said. Both parties benefited from the interactive process, especially in the field of public education. The interaction allows the corporate volunteers to recognize the needs, charms and challenges of the children with special educational needs.
“We should provide more opportunities to SEN students as they possess the capacity to contribute to the society. We also wish more organizations or corporations can participate in volunteering and care for these children.” Ms Catherine Lee, Deputy Human Resources Director of Dragages Hong Kong, said.