26 November marked the official opening of the Lee Shau Kee Peace Education Centre and the kick-off of Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong (LPCUWC)’s 30th Anniversary and United World Colleges Hong Kong Committee Ltd (UWCHK)’s 50th Anniversary in the college year 2022-23.
The UWCHK was formally established in 2008, but prior to this, Hong Kong started its involvement in the United World Colleges Movement in 1972 that later led to the concept of the establishing of a UWC College in Hong Kong which opened to its first students in 1992. The collective efforts of LPCUWC and UWCHK brought a strong presence of the UWC mission and values to Hong Kong. Half a century later, the UWCHK have impacted the lives of over 500 students from Hong Kong who have attended other UWC schools and colleges, and LPCUWC with 30 years of existence has had over 3000 graduates.
“Since opening in 1992, this College has received over 6 000 students, representing a total of more than 150 different nationalities. This statistic, alone, reflects the school’s important role in strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global city,”- said guest of honour, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, GBS, IDSM, JP (Chief Secretary for Administration, HKSAR).
These anniversaries mark a transformative period for both the UWCHK and LPCUWC since their establishments and will run throughout the academic year 2022/23. As part of the celebrations, LPCUWC and UWCHK will continue to share about the unique UWC education experience in Hong Kong, highlighting the rich diversity of the student body,residential experience and the Quan Cai activities - the defining characteristics of UWC schools and colleges.
Upcoming events
February 1-9, 2023, LPCUWC and UWCHK will be hosting an exhibition at the Central Market square in Central.
A Gala Dinner will be held in May 2023 to conclude celebration of the anniversaries.
Reflecting on the past and planning for the future, the Principal of LPCUWC, Dr Arnett Edwards applauded the efforts of the College and UWCHK in impacting the lives of young students from across the world, and in particular those whom the Lee Shau Kee Foundation had directly benefited through their sponsorship to the College.
“I am confident that in the next thirty years as Hong Kong further evolves and becomes a key entity of the Greater Bay Area, the College will develop its vision so that the mission and values of UWC impacts more young people in the region.” - Dr. Arnett Edwards, Principal LPCUWC
Variety activities during launch During the official opening ceremony, multiple sharing sessions were held with alumni from LPCUWC & from other UWC schools and Colleges alongside current LPCUWC students about their involvement in peace and sustainability. These sharings were related to their work fields and the Quan Cai activities offered at the College. The day aimed to allow the public to experience UWC movement of teaching and vibrant diverse campus life by highlighting the achievements of our students, staff and alumni through exhibitions and sharing activities.
“This school has a proud record of producing students who are highly capable in the fields of STEAM. No doubt, your “Education Outside The Classroom” curriculum plays a part in this, enabling students to apply their learning to real-world solutions.” - Mr Chan
The UWCHK and LPCUWC have launched this anniversary website to invite the community and friends to join and be updated about the yearlong celebration.