In a powerful collaboration aimed at uplifting and educating the Filipino caregiver community in Hong Kong, the Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education (YCCECE) joined hands with the Philippine Consulate General to host a seminar titled “PCG Talks – Caring Across Borders.” The event, held on Sunday, 22 June 2025, brought together a vibrant group of caregivers for a day of learning, sharing, and empowerment.

The seminar was led by Dr. Phoebe Cheung, an Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor at YCCECE, whose presentation focused on “Empowering Caregivers of Neurodiverse Children.” The session was both informative and deeply engaging, offering practical strategies and emotional support to caregivers navigating the complexities of caring for children with diverse needs.

Dr. Cheung began by unpacking the concept of neurodiversity, highlighting various conditions such as:

• Intellectual Disability (ID) – Challenges in abstract thinking, memory, and social skills.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Difficulties in communication and social interaction.
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) – Issues with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
• Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) – Discrepancies in academic performance despite normal intelligence.
• Physical, Visual, and Hearing Impairments – Conditions affecting mobility, sensory perception, and communication.

Caregivers were encouraged to recognize the unique strengths and needs of neurodiverse children and to foster environments that support their development and dignity.

A key focus of the seminar was the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill, passed in July 2024 and set to take effect in January 2026. Dr. Cheung emphasized the importance of understanding this legislation, which requires 25 categories of professionals to report suspected abuse or neglect. While the law aims to protect children, concerns about over-reporting and the need for clear guidelines were discussed.

Participants learned about the types of abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect—and were introduced to resources such as the Child Protection Policy and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The session highlighted the growing urgency of child protection, citing a rise in abuse cases reported in Hong Kong in recent years.

The seminar concluded with practical advice on creating safe and nurturing spaces for children. Dr. Cheung also shared valuable resources, including training courses from the Social Welfare Department and portals from the Labour Department, empowering caregivers with tools to continue their learning journey.

The event was a resounding success, with the conference room filled with enthusiastic caregivers eager to learn and connect. The atmosphere was one of warmth, solidarity, and shared purpose. By promoting diversity awareness and inclusive practices, the seminar underscored the vital role caregivers play in shaping a compassionate and equitable society.

As the session wrapped up, attendees left not only with new knowledge but also with a renewed sense of confidence and community. “PCG Talks – Caring Across Borders” stands as a testament to the power of education, empathy, and collaboration in building a better future for all children.