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According to statistics from the Education Bureau, the number of students with special educational needs (SEN) has risen 5% during the 2023/24 academic year, reaching approximately 64,220. With the growing trend of SEN students in recent years, would exploring their inner worlds, understanding their thought processes and unlocking their unique talents aid their integration into society? “Draw Your Own Legend”, the project that won at Link Collab Fest, serves as a testament to this goal.
Link Collab Fest is a special programme created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Link Together Initiatives, with an aim to establish a cross-sector collaboration platform between charitable organisations, social enterprises and social innovators. Its mission is to encourage these organisations to collaborate and explore new solutions to promote youth empowerment programmes and create greater value for communities.
The winning project, Draw Your Own Legend, jointly developed by the Hong Kong Student Aid Society (HKSAS), a charitable organisation, in partnership with two social enterprises, StartChing Ltd., and Rolling Books Ltd., exemplifies this collaborative approach. The project empowered university students through training in planning, editing and picture book production. Equipped with this training, they guided SEN children living in HKSAS’ Island Hostel in Tuen Mun to express their emotions and thoughts through drawing. The final works showcasing the children’s creativity were then compiled into picture books and displayed at community exhibitions, boosting the children’s self-confidence and connecting them to the wider society.
In June, 10 children aged 8 to 12 proudly exhibited their self-created picture books at Link’s Tin Chak Shopping Centre in Tin Shui Wai. During the event, the young artists also shared their creative journeys with the audience.
The air buzzed with storytelling and laughter in one corner of the shopping centre, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. It was Tony, one of the young creators, acting as the storyteller under the guidance of Vincent, a university volunteer. Tony was sharing his creation, A Bite of Earth, with other children in the community.
Tony revealed that the story’s protagonist, Rookie, who enjoys eating snacks and sharing them with others, is modelled after himself. He was happy and fulfilled to witness his work displayed in a community shopping centre. He was also glad to share his story with residents in the neighbourhood – much like Rookie sharing snacks.
Another participant, Martin, a shy boy with a deep passion for music, channelled his musical dreams in his picture book, Green Clover. The story depicts a protagonist demon who is defeated by an angel and eventually sheds his evil persona to become a famous singer on Earth. He sings freely on stage, relishing his happy and positive new life.
Vincent, a student from Lingnan University and Tony’s instructor, gained far more than social media management skills through the project. He developed a deeper understanding of SEN children’s learning needs: “For instance, when I gave instructions to Tony, I needed to be clear and concise, explaining everything step by step to make it easier for him to understand.” Vincent believed that the exhibition served as a window for the community to gain a more direct understanding of the inner worlds of SEN children. This exposure also raised the public’s awareness of SEN, thereby drawing attention to these children and contributing to the development of a more inclusive society.
Hohei, also studying at Lingnan University, guided Martin in completing his picture book, had a similar awakening: “I still remember the second time I taught Martin to draw. I opened his picture book without his permission, which triggered his displeasure and taught me the importance of patience when interacting with SEN children. Building trust with them makes it easier to get along.”
Hohei observed a remarkable shift in Martin: “Martin was very serious and focused while drawing the cover. His dedication was truly inspiring. This project provided Martin with a platform for self-expression and revealed his artistic potential and appreciable meticulous nature.”
Hohei believes that direct interaction with SEN children is key to dispelling prevalent misconceptions about them in society. Establishing reading areas in shopping centres and leveraging picture books as a bridge can foster public understanding, care and recognition of SEN children’s abilities.
