For Hong Kong educator Christine Ma-Lau, preparing children for exams or school interviews is only part of the job – helping them understand who they are, how to treat others and what they can contribute to society matters just as much.
Ma-Lau founded JEMS Character Academy in 2009 after concluding that many imported character education programmes did not fully meet Hong Kong’s needs. She developed her own curriculum around three areas: identity, relationships and community.
Her work has earned her a place among the finalists for the Spirit of Nurturing Award in this year’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, co-organised by Sino Group and the South China Morning Post.

