HOPE International Education has been dedicated to autism-related charity initiatives for decades. Since 2012, this philanthropic effort has not only gathered sustained support from students and parents but has also established a robust network in collaboration with partner schools and universities as well as autism institutions in China.

On 29th of March, HOPE International Education and Shanghai Xuhui District Clover Children Autism Centre held the annual charity walk event in West Bund Natural Arts Park, dedicated to raising awareness for Autism children. The event attracted over 400 participants, including students, parents, educators, corporate representatives, and individuals from all walks of life, united to amplify the voices for autism community.  

Centred on the theme of "Understanding, Acceptance, and Support," the event aimed to enhance public awareness of autism, promote social cohesiveness for special community, and mobilize broader support for autism children. By combining interactive experiences with public advocacy, the event not only deepened social understanding of autism but also fostered a more compassionate environment for the well-being of this minority groups.  

The event kicked off with a drum performance by a young man with autism, whose talent and potential moved the audience and set the tone for the walk. Participants then embarked on a short hiking journey during which quiz on autism knowledge, interaction with autism children, charity sale of autism children’s painting and arts work were set as tasks for each team before the end of the walk.

Notably, HOPE’s partner UK universities have also deepened their involvement in such charity events in recent years. In October 2023, Professor Rachel Thompson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University, led a six-member delegation, including the Director of International Affairs, to make a special visit to Shanghai Xuhui District Clover Children Autism Centre. They donated over 20,000 RMB worth of professional sports equipment and stationery as well as organized the charity hike. Over 50 of the university’s alumni in China, along with representatives from ten partner companies and local institutions, walked along the Huangpu River to raise public awareness of autism. This creative initiative was later featured in an exclusive report by Shanghai Television Channel.  

University of Southampton contributed in another meaningful way. Before the World Autism Awareness Day in 2024, the university sponsored 5000RMB to Shanghai Clover Children Autism Centre for the charity walk event. These efforts not only provided tangible assistance to children with special needs but also significantly enhanced the universities’ public image.  

HOPE started to commit to the support for autistic children 13 years ago. Since then, a series of charity events are organized each year by HOPE and its local partners including charity cycling, charity walk, charity photo contest, charity and auction sales of autistic children’s arts work etc. Last month, a charity badminton tournament was organized by HOPE in Ningbo, and students, teachers and education counsellors from local international schools competed to raise fund for a local autism rehabilitation centre, Oliver Tree Children’s Development Centre.  

HOPE warmly welcome more overseas institutions to join our charity events in the future. This is not only an important way to demonstrate institutions social responsibility and humanitarian commitment but also an excellent platform for international institutions to raise their profile and enhance their public branding.