When Hongkonger Joanne Fong Tze-hang was six, she realised after watching her uncle care for animals that if love could change them, it could change people too. That was when she decided she wanted to be an educator.
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As the principal of HHCKLA Buddhist Chan Shi Wan Primary School today, Fong said she believes education should prepare children not merely to excel in exams but, more importantly, to grow as thoughtful, compassionate individuals.
“Academic performance matters, but a child’s character and confidence are just as important. They need to know how to care for themselves, for others and for the world,” she told the Post.
That vision has earned Fong a place among the finalists in this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards in the nurturing category for her work in reimagining how primary education can blend knowledge, empathy and sustainability.
Her philosophy, which she calls the “Campus of Hearts”, is built around six core values: gratitude, empathy, compassion, wisdom, confidence and diligence.
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She sees these not as slogans but as daily habits. The sense of calm on campus is palpable. The school day begins with a short mindfulness practice, and recess is dubbed “joyful time” to remind pupils that play is part of learning.