Hong Kong Red Cross Humanitarian Education Centre
Asia’s First War Zone Explorative Tour on Offer to Reflect Humanitarian Values

(Hong Kong, 8 April 2016) Natural disasters, armed conflicts and humanitarian incidents are happening every day around the world, such as the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, Brussels and Pakistan. Many people have suffered and are hoping for concerns and relief. This is how humanitarian issues closely related to every part of the world, including Hong Kong, and humanitarian education is of immense demand.

In view of this, the Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) established Humanitarian Education Centre and invited members of different media for visit on April 8. Through thematic exhibitions and explorative activities, the Centre encourages visitors to cultivate humanitarian vision and support humanitarian actions. “4E” education model is adopted by the Centre, allowing visitors to Explore, Experience, Exchange and Engage in humanitarian issues. Moreover, audio, visual and tactile effects are utilized to encourage reflection on humanitarian issues from different perspectives, and realize the significance of humanitarian aid to human sufferings, as well as recognize Humanity which is a widely agreed value in human society.

Furthermore, the Centre offers an exploration programme “War Zone 90”  - a 90-minute explorative tour based on war theme - which is the first of its kind in Asia. The tour aims to turn abstract concepts of humanity into concrete and realistic actions through displaying the consequences of war in a simulated war setting. This also brings the message that war is not distant and that everyone can respond to the challenges induced by war with humanitarian actions. (For details of the Centre, please refer to Fact Sheet.)

Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, a top personnel of the Red Cross visited Hong Kong for the first time, and shared his experience and feelings of world humanitarian challenges and humanitarian work, as well as his vision for humanitarian education in Hong Kong. “I am delighted to witness the establishment of the Humanitarian Education Centre which allows more people to recognize the value of humanity to the current development of the world. I sincerely hope that Hong Kong people, amid their busy life, will not forget that numerous people being affected by disasters and armed conflicts are looking forward to their concerns and helping hands,” said President Maurer.

Mr Vincent W S Lo, HKRC Chairman indicated that more input and thoughts are required to advocate humanitarian actions, because Humanity is an abstract concept, especially in peaceful places like Hong Kong. “To target the characteristics of the youth, instead of lecture teaching, the Centre provides them opportunities to experience human sufferings through explorative activities, so as to trigger them to reflect on how to bring hope to people in distress,” added Chairman Lo.

Besides, Ms Pui-gwen Yeung, a youth member of HKRC, shared the meaning of humanitarian education to her. “I believe continuous humanitarian education is essential in Hong Kong. This allows the youth and the public to learn more about Humanity, and use different perspectives to explore the world, which may induce changes to their lives and gain their support to humanitarian work,” said Pui-gwen.

Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross – first time in Hong Kong - tours at the Hong Kong Red Cross Humanitarian Education Centre

Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross shares his experience and feelings of world humanitarian challenges and humanitarian work, as well as his vision for humanitarian education in Hong Kong

Mr Vincent W S Lo, HKRC Chairman (right), Ms Pui-gwen Yeung, a youth member of HKRC (left) together present a souvenir to Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross

The Hong Kong Red Cross introduced Asia’s first explorative programme “War Zone 90” to bring “real experience” of armed conflicts to Hong Kong people.

About the Humanitarian Education Centre
The Humanitarian Education Centre is first introduced and established by Hong Kong Red Cross. In response to humanitarian challenges locally and worldwide, the Centre aims to encourage visitors to cultivate humanitarian vision and support humanitarian actions through thematic exhibitions and explorative activities. By bringing changes and hopes to people in distress, we are able to fulfill the humanitarian mission of protecting human life, caring for the health of the vulnerable and respecting human dignity.
 
About the Hong Kong Red Cross
Established in 1950, the Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) belongs to one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks. We dedicate ourselves to protecting human life, caring for the health of the vulnerable and respecting human dignity by mobilizing people to serve for the causes of humanity. The HKRC services include blood transfusion service, bone marrow and cord blood donation, disaster relief and preparedness, first aid and health training, youth and volunteer programmes, tracing, psychological support, community care and patient concern services, special education and rehabilitation services. For details, please visit www.redcross.org.hk

Media Enquiries
Yvonne SO, Corporate Communications Manager (2507 7111 / yvonne.so@redcross.org.hk)
Keily TO, Corporate Communications Officer (2507 7115 / keily.to@redcross.org.hk)