Spread Love and Support Girls with Pencils

The third “Because I am a Girl– Donate a Pencil Campaign” was held by Plan International Hong Kong from 10 to 11, October 2015. There were three pencil collection points – Telford Plaza (Kowloon Bay), PopCorn (Tseung Kwan O) and Hysan Place (Causeway Bay). Thanks to the generosity of donors, nearly 20,000 pencils were collected and more than HK$ 400,000 was raised. Pencils have been sent to underprivileged children in Mainland China and Cambodia, and the funds will be used to support Plan International’s education projects in Indonesia, Nepal and other countries.

Guests inserted huge pencil props into the light box, a simple yet symbolic gesture that commenced the event.

It was our honour to have Professor Sophia Chan, Under Secretary for Food and Health, officiated the opening ceremony. She was joined by Dr. Darwin Chen, Board Member of Plan International Hong Kong; Ms Kanie Siu, CEO of Plan International Hong Kong; Mr Alfred Cheung, Honorary Advisor of Because I am a Girl Campaign cum ex-beneficiary of Plan International; Ms Cindy Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of Emperor Watch & Jewellery cum Ambassador of “Because I am a Girl”; Ms Charlene Tse, Ambassador of “Because I am a Girl”; Ms Stephy Tang and Ms Cindy Au, Ambassadors of Plan International Hong Kong to insert huge pencil props into the light box, a simple yet symbolic gesture that commenced the event.

Dr. Darwin Chen gave a welcoming speech at the ceremony and appreciated all guests’ support and participation. “Globally, 62 million girls are not in school. Education can help underprivileged girls in developing countries get rid of child marriage, lift them out of poverty and give them a chance to re-write their fate!”

 Many children and their parents came to support this event.

The Officiating Guest Professor Sophia Chan said in her speech: “The Donate a Pencil Campaign is very meaningful. It not only raises our awareness of girls’ rights in developing countries, but also provides a good chance for us to show care and support to underprivileged girls. ”

The third “Because I am a Girl – Donate a Pencil Campaign” is supported by Emperor Jewellery, KPMG, A.W Faber-Castell (HK) Limited, Chun Hing Plastic Packaging Manufactory Limited and other sponsors. We would like to express our sincere thanks to them.

 Pencils have been sent to underprivileged children in Mainland China and Cambodia to support their study.