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Caltex Project Chance, a community engagement program initiated by Chevron Hong Kong in 2005, heads towards its sixth year with a focus on STEM elements - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. These elements are important for children to learn about the world around them and understand events in everyday lives.
With the benefit of lessons from last year's activities, Caltex Project Chance 2009-2010 participants will be given opportunities to explore their potential in the area of STEM. The children will be required to carry out project works with a set-goal based on a self-selected topic in environmental protection, energy efficiency, or science and technology.
As the children come from disadvantaged backgrounds, they didn’t have the resources to get involved in project work at school. Thanks to Caltex Project Chance, participants were able to complete their first ever project-learning mission with support and guidance from Chevron volunteers and social workers from the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association (BGCA).
The themed project work, built around the "Save Our Blue Sky" environmental protection community education program, provided an opportunity to widen horizons for the children. With a series of visits to the Environmental Resources Center of the Environmental Protection Department, the Headquarters of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and Caltex Tsing Yi Terminal, participants successfully completed their project work and delivered some quality presentations during the semi-final and final contests.
In addition to “Save Our Blue Sky” education program, Chevron also launched the “Energy for Learning - Flight of Hope” in April 2010. The program included a lot of different interesting elements such as Flight of Hope Drawing Competition and Rocket Model Design Competition; Young Astronaut Workshop; Aeronautics and Astronautics Seminar and the Water Rocket Propulsion Competition. The “Flight of Hope” Program attracted over 2,500 students to participate within 3 months. The program was very well received and successful as it generated the curiosity and creativity amongst young kids on science-related projects.
Chevron volunteers’ efforts were recognized at the event. "I believe this program mutually benefits children and our employees. The kids were all very thankful of our employees' time and efforts in providing them with support and advice to undertake their projects. We are also happy the program offers our colleagues with an opportunity to provide a positive contribution to the community," said Mr. Lim.
All teams produced exhibition boards for this big day. Contest winners were given the opportunity to showcase their work at selected MTR stations to drive the message of environmental protection and energy efficiency to the community.
"It is important for us to pass on the torch and continue to spread the message of sustainability among younger generations," Dr. Poon told participants and graduating students during her officiating speech. "The government is always supportive of initiatives which nurture the young to be aware of our environment in their everyday lives. This is all about the betterment of our future."
Cheung Hing-wah, Deputy Director of the Social Welfare Department, said: "The children delivered an outstanding performance on stage and demonstrated their knowledge related to issues about energy conservation and our world. It was a hard decision to choose the winners and we should all be proud about what they have learned and achieved over the past year."
Kelven Lee, Manager of Maintenance & Construction at Chevron HK, was invited to share his experiences as a loyal volunteer to Caltex Project Chance since the launch of the program.
"Caltex Project Chance provided colleagues a platform to fulfill their social responsibilities. I believe many colleagues are as happy as me for we are able to help those in need via the community engagement programs from our own company," said Kelven.
Caltex Project Chance will continue to provide assistance to children in the community during its fifth term and contribute to fulfilling Chevron’s mission to be a responsible global corporate citizen.
"Community engagement projects are not just about donations. It really is a chance to get involved in the projects we support and make a difference for the community and the environment," said Eunice Cheng, Policy, Government and Public Affairs Manager (HK/ China).
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