On 10 November 2024, the AWA Foundation (AWAF) hosted its annual charity ThanksGiving Festival at PMQ Central, attracting many families to the vibrant Sunday market. As a proud grant recipient of the AWAF, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education (YCCECE) was excited to showcase a dedicated booth for the Pamela Peck Discovery Space (PPDS). This booth featured engaging activities designed for children to learn through play, creating a lively atmosphere that drew in families eager to participate.

One of the highlights of our booth was the pumpkin-making activity, which sparked the children's creativity as they crafted unique shapes and experimented with colors. The joy and enthusiasm displayed by the children were truly heartwarming, making the event a memorable experience for all involved.

The festival also provided a valuable platform for four YCCECE ethnic minority students enrolled in the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care program. These students actively participated in the event, engaging with children and fostering a hands-on learning experience essential for their professional development. By assisting the Pamela Peck Discovery Space center teachers—who are also YCCECE alumni—in conducting a reading session for children on stage, the students gained practical experience in delivering educational content in an engaging and interactive manner.

In addition to their involvement in the activities, the students promoted YCCECE’s upcoming signature event—the Dinosaur Charity Run—scheduled for 1 December 2024. This initiative aims to raise funds for YCCECE scholarships, which support 90% of our students in achieving their dreams of becoming early childhood educators. By participating in the festival, the students not only contributed to the event's success but also helped raise awareness for this important cause.

Overall, this ThanksGiving Festival was a fruitful day that celebrated charity and benevolence alongside other organizations. It served as an excellent platform for our students to network with fellow charities and professionals, fostering potential collaborations in education and community involvement. The event highlighted the spirit of giving back, reinforcing the importance of community engagement and support for future educators.