The transformation started with Joey, who is autistic.

Autistic children live in their own world, facing challenges to reach out or be reached by those on the outside.  Joey was no exception.

However, thanks to our volunteers and donors, Joey was transformed.  Because of their support, every day after school, Joey had a safe place and a loving community to come to – the HOPE worldwide Centre for Kids.  At the centre, staff and volunteers helped Joey catch up academically.  At the centre, he learned how to communicate with others.  He also learned social skills that helped him make friends with other kids, especially with a little boy named Rafi.

Unlike Joey, Rafi did not have special educational needs.  But being an ethnic minority person in Hong Kong did make him feel out of place.  He was small, quiet, and seemed to always have a fearful look in his eyes.

But the friendship with Joey transformed Rafi.  Every day after school, they knew they could find each other at the Centre for Kids.  They played together before and after homework tutorial classes, sometimes with other kids as well.  We could hear the sound of their laughter ring throughout the centre.  Sparks of joy replaced the fear in Rafi’s eyes whenever they were together.

Who will be the next child to be transformed?  We don’t know.  But as long as the Centre for Kids stays, there will be others!