School of Continuing Education holds 45th Anniversary International Conference on early childhood education

The HKBU School of Continuing Education (SCE) organised the “45th Anniversary International Conference - Wonder and Discovery: Celebrating Nature-based Early Childhood Education” in early December. It was an online conference attracting more than 460 participants from 19 countries and regions who shared their research, best practices and experiences of nature-based early childhood education.

Renowned keynote speakers included Professor Claudia Giudici, President of Reggio Children, Italy; Dr Claire Warden, Education Consultant, UK; Ms Jena Jauchius, Landscape Architect, USA; Ms So Yuen-yi, Principal Assistant Secretary (Kindergarten Education) Policy Support of the Education Bureau; and Mr Lai Chuen-chi, Assistant Director (Country and Marine Parks) of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

Mr Clemente Contestabile, Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong, and HKBU’s Professor Roland Chin, President, Dr Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning), Professor Ronald Chung, Dean of SCE, and Dr Amelia Lee, Associate Dean (Programme Development) of SCE, delivered speeches and officiated at the opening ceremony.

Dr Amelia Lee, Chairperson of the Conference’s organising committee, said: “Nature-based learning is rising in importance in many countries. In Hong Kong, the learning framework is on its way to be formed. It has significant benefits to accelerate children’s connection with nature, to awaken their curiosity and exploratory spirit, and to respect value and preserve the environment and nature.”