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Zippy's Friends
More than 30,000 children from kindergartens and primary schools have benefited from a programme called Zippy's Friends designed to help children cope with emotional difficulties and grow up to become happy adults.
Supported by a donation of HKD3.56 million from the Hongkong Bank Foundation, Zippy's Friends is run by the Hong Kong Institute of Education in Hong Kong and mainland China. The programme aims to improve children's emotional and social skills, using stories and activities that cover topics ranging from loneliness and making and keeping friends to coping with change, loss and death.
Supporting early childhood education
The Hongkong Bank Foundation has been supporting the development of early childhood education for many years.
In 2001, with the Foundation's support, the Hong Kong Institute of Education established its first experimental school to train teachers in early childhood education.
The Foundation has also provided scholarships for students to take part in exchange programmes in mainland China. From 2002-07, the Foundation's funding of HKD2.7 million has provided exchange opportunities for more than 800 students.
"I learn not to say anything that hurts or fight back even when someone bullies me. I just say I am angry and I will get help from the teacher."
Mak Hon Wo, programme participant
"I don't get nervous easily now. Sharing my feelings with the rest of the class makes me feel good."
Yueng Suet Hang (right)
programme participant
"Suet expressed her sorrow when Zippy died and learned the way to manage her emotions at her friend's funeral. She's a big girl now!"
Suet's mother
Zippy's Friends encourages children to express their feelings.
Zippy's Friends improves the social skills of children through role-play activities.
Children having fun at story telling session.
A child's impression of Zippy the stick insect.
Games and sharing to help children solve problems.
Children learn how to express emotions through drawings.
