The 4th “Because I am a Girl– Donate a Pencil Campaign” held with success

The 4th “Because I am a Girl– Donate a Pencil Campaign” was successfully held from 6 to 10, October 2016 at 4 pencil collection points – Telford Plaza (Kowloon Bay), PopCorn (Tseung Kwan O), Maritime Square (Tsing Yi) and Paradise Mall (Heng Fa Chuen). Thanks to the public’s generous support. 32,913 pencils were collected and over HK$ 400,000 was raised. Pencils will be sent to underprivileged children in Cambodia, and the funds will be used to support Plan International’s anti-child marriage projects in Cambodia.

Guests presided over the lighting ceremony by inserting pencils to the lightbox.

Dr Ko Wing-man, Secretary for Food and Health, attended the opening ceremony of the event at Telford Plaza I on 6th October. Joined by Dr Darwin Chen, Ms. Christine Ma-Lau and Mr. Ralph Szeto, Board Members of Plan International Hong Kong, as well as Ms. Kanie Siu, Chief Executive Officer of Plan International Hong Kong, “Because I am a Girl” Ambassadors Ms. Jo Ngai, Ms, Stephy Tang, Ms. Gin Lee and Ms Lisa Cheng, Dr Ko Wing-man presided over the lighting ceremony by inserting giant pencils into the light box. The chain in front of the light box was then broken into half, symbolizing the power of education in breaking the shackles of child marriage and the commencement of the event. Thereafter, the guests held up their hands for photos, expressing their support for the “Because I am a Girl” campaign and girls’ rights.

Lots of children and their parents supported the event by donating pencils to underprivileged children.

Dr. Darwin Chen gave a welcoming speech at the ceremony and appreciated all guests’ support and participation. “Education is one of the most powerful strategies in preventing child marriage. However, over the world 62 million girls are out of school. I hope more people will support this pencil donation event to promote girls’ education, lifting more girls out of the poverty cycle.”

Dr. Darwin Chen gave a welcoming speech at the ceremony and appreciated all guests’ support and participation.

Officiating guest Dr Ko Wing-man delivered a speech, “I found this pencil donation event organized by Plan International very meaningful as it helps girls in developing countries receive education. Hong Kong is a member of our global society, thus it is important that we offer a helping hand to developing countries. I hope local children can learn more about the issues in other countries so that they can help those in need when they grow up. ”

Dr Ko Wing-man, Secretary for Food and Health, was the officiating guest of Plan International “Because I am a Girl – Donate a Pencil Campaign”. He calls on the public to donate pencils and support girls’ education.

The 4th ”Because I am a Girl – Donate a Pencil Campaign” would not have been successful without the generous support from Gold Sponsor Rotary Club of Hong Kong Sunrise, Silver Sponsors Emperor Jewellery, KPMG Foundation Limited, ECCO Shoes Hong Kong Limited, venue sponsor MTR Corporation Limited, pencil sponsor A W Faber-Castell (HK) Limited and other sponsoring organizations and volunteers.