Launch Ceremony of Jockey Club Animated Classical Chinese for Curious Minds Project
In line with the Education Bureau’s advocacy of promoting Chinese classical texts in primary schools, The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) has launched the Jockey Club Animated Classical Chinese for Curious Minds Project, supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of over HK$25 million. The three-year project, which began in the 2022/23 academic year, aims to enrich primary students’ knowledge of Chinese classical texts and culture in a lively and interesting way. EdUHK held a launch ceremony today (4 February) to introduce the features of the multimedia teaching materials.
The Jockey Club Animated Classical Chinese for Curious Minds Project features a 48-episode animation series designed for primary students, with eight episodes for each grade. Each episode introduces one of 40 recommended masterpieces and eight enrichment chapters selected by the EdUHK project team.
Renowned local artist Chao Yat (Mr Leung Chung-kei) has developed the episodes for P1 to P3 schoolchildren, focusing on basic knowledge of classical texts and Chinese culture. In each episode, Tiddler, the cute and energetic protagonist, leads primary students as they hop on a time machine and travel to the world of classical Chinese literature, where the main scenes are set in schools.
For the animations aimed at P4 to P6 pupils, jointly produced by EdUHK and the Modern Educational Research Society, the team has incorporated landmarks and features of Hong Kong, such as the Shing Mun Reservoir, Sneaker Street and Hong Kong-style egg waffles, to enhance learning motivation among children. The project also features a multimedia learning platform, lesson plan and teaching materials, and parent-child picture books to facilitate learning and teaching of the subject.
The project is coordinated by Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung, President of EdUHK, and co-chaired by Professor John Lee Chi-kin, Vice President (Academic) and Provost; Professor Pamela Leung Pui-wan of the Department of Chinese Language Studies; and Dr Fung Chi-wang, Associate Professor of the Department of Literature and Cultural Studies.
Addressing the event, Professor Cheung said the University has long promoted pleasurable learning through the integration of innovation and inheritance. “Innovation means the adoption of innovative approaches that enjoy great popularity among our youngsters. Inheritance, on the other hand, means character building by learning the life stories of historical figures,” he explained. “By teaching these magnificent classical texts in a creative and enjoyable manner, we hope to pass on the essence of our cultural heritage to the younger generation.”
Ms Ada Chu, Head of Charities (Talent and Sector Development), The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said the Club is a long-standing supporter of education, talent and sector development. The Club is delighted to support EdUHK in launching the project to enhance children’s appreciation for Chinese classical texts through its imaginative animation series, which will offer them further encouragement to learn. The Club’s support for the project, like all of its charity donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model, through which racing and wagering generate tax and charity support for the community.
Launch Ceremony of Jockey Club Animated Classical Chinese for Curious Minds Project
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