Hong Kong

Empowering young minds: Learning and connecting with HKYWCA

In celebration of Mandela Day, Aspen Pharmacare Asia partnered with the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association (“HKYWCA”)  to host the “Children’s Life Experience Series: Let’s Go Grocery Shopping” at the YWCA Jockey Club Family Wellness Centre.

On 29 August 2025, 22 Aspen volunteers joined 19 children aged four to 16 who have special educational needs (“SEN”) from low-income families for a hands-on learning experience. Founded in 1920, HKYWCA supports diverse groups of people in need through over 100 service units in Hong Kong.

“It was inspiring to see the children’s sense of achievement.” said Keith Iu, Director, Asia. “This experience reminded us that with empathy, patience and community support, we can help every child unlock their potential. Our team truly valued the opportunity to contribute to the community.”

This initiative focused on equipping the children with practical abilities while raising awareness about SEN and providing volunteers with valuable experience in supporting SEN children. Volunteers worked closely with the children to create personalised shopping lists based on their parents’ wishes. Children were paired with volunteers to navigate the shopping exercise, from locating items, to making purchase decisions and interacting with staff.

The experience fostered skills like planning, decision-making, and communication. It also encouraged the children to engage confidently in unfamiliar settings, thereby building their independence. To celebrate their efforts, each child received a gift pack with book vouchers, stationery, and Dermeze soap-free wash from Aspen.

This collaboration underscores our commitment to community impact and inclusion, highlighting the power of partnership in creating meaningful opportunities for underserved communities. A huge thank you to our volunteers and HKYWCA for making this day unforgettable.  By embracing the spirit of Mandela Day, Aspen and HKYWCA have taken a meaningful step toward empowering SEN children and fostering a more inclusive Hong Kong.