Jockey Club funds the citya£á?s first free community healthcare volunteer training programme

07/19/2014

Helping to meet the mounting demand for medical and community healthcare services, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated HK$10.7 million to The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) to launch a five-year Jockey Club Community Healthcare Education Programme to train healthcare workers.

A key element is the Jockey Club Home Health Watch Programme, the first of its kind in the city which offers free training to equip healthcare volunteers with basic nursing knowledge and establish community-based supportive networks. It was launched today (19 July) at a Community Healthcare Day designed to give the public a better understanding of how to support the chronically-ill.

Club Steward Anthony W K Chow joined Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung, Social Welfare Department Deputy Director (services) Lam Ka-tai, Elderly Commission Chairman Professor Alfred Chan and OUHK President Professor Wong Yuk-shan to officiate at the launching ceremony.

Mr Chow noted that the Jockey Club Community Healthcare education Programme has entered its second year. “The Club is delighted to witness the commencement of Jockey Club Home Health Watch Programme, the first free community healthcare volunteer training programme in the city. It targets to train 1,500 caregivers and volunteers, as well as boosting community support and care services for the elderly and chronically-ill,” he said.

Under the Jockey Club Home Health Watch Programme, about 1,500 individuals aged 18 or above who are interested in voluntary community healthcare services will be provided with a free three-month course in basic nursing knowledge relevant to their work as home-carers or volunteers, and given support to form volunteer watch groups. Such groups will then offer supportive care to the needy in their respective communities, thus promoting the spirit of mutual aid.

As part of the five-year sponsored education programme, the University has also organised certificate and diploma programmes for some 1,000 students. The Trust funding also covers 300 Jockey Club Community Healthcare Education Scholarships for needy students. This year, 37 students were granted scholarships. 

During its 20-year partnership with the University, the Club’s Charities Trust has donated more than HK$360 million to support campus development and enhancement of teaching facilities, including the Jockey Club Campus in Ho Man Tin which accommodates up to 2,400 full-time students. The new campus also enables the university to broaden its scope of teaching and support the development of three of the six priority industries as promulgated by the Government – Cultural and Creative Industries, Testing and Certification Services and Medical Services.  It is expected that in the first ten years, degree education will be provided to about 8,000 students.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.