Recruitment

I am truly honoured to receive the Long Service Award for ten years of dedication. My heartfelt thanks go to the organisation for its trust and support throughout this decade, and to my supervisors and colleagues for walking alongside me on this journey. The time spent working shoulder to shoulder with all of you has been both fulfilling and invaluable. Looking ahead, I will continue to uphold my original aspirations, joining hands with my fellow colleagues to strive for excellence together. Thank you all!

During a sermon, the pastor shared that serving God is a blessing. I was inspired, and God graciously accepted this desire of mine. In 1995, I joined the Free Methodist Church of Hong Kong, and have been serving ever since.

Looking back on these thirty years of work, I ask myself: was I serving God, or was God shaping me through this work? I am grateful that the Lord has nurtured my sense of responsibility—guiding me from frontline service to management, from focusing on my own duties to caring for the team and even the development of the organisation. From youth services to children and family services, and more recently elderly services, my horizons have been broadened, and I have grown in maturity in how I relate to others.

“Thank You, Lord, for being my best employer, always willing to listen to my needs day and night. When I am weary, You strengthen me; when I am sorrowful, You comfort me; when I feel powerless, You encourage me; when I make mistakes, You gently correct me. May the Lord continue to bless our colleagues, that we may walk together, support one another, and spur each other on. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”

I feel honoured to receive the Long Service Award after more than five years at the centre. I am grateful to the organisation for giving me the opportunity to join, and for always allowing me the space to try, to learn, and to develop my own direction in service. I also wish to thank my supervisors, colleagues, and the elderly whom I serve, for their support which has helped me to remain true to my original aspirations even amidst busyness. Looking ahead, I will continue to serve wholeheartedly.

In the blink of an eye, I have been serving at the school for thirty years. In the past, my words of gratitude for long service would always begin with thanks to the school board and supervisors. This time, however, I wish to take the opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues who have devoted themselves with such care.

When I first entered the profession, relatives and friends would often say that I was merely “looking after children.” This reflects a common misunderstanding of early childhood education. In reality, it is far more complex than many imagine. Unlike primary and secondary teachers who can teach by subject and have free periods to prepare lessons, we must care for and teach young children throughout the entire day. Lesson preparation, parent communication and other tasks can only be managed during lunch breaks, after school, or even during holidays. With ever‑changing policies and requirements, this work is anything but easy.

What has sustained me for thirty years are the smiles of children arriving happily at school each day, the joy of witnessing their growth step by step, and the trust built through sharing parenting experiences with families. Equally important is the support and camaraderie among colleagues, who feel like family.

I recall one incident after nap time when a child suddenly became unwell, suspected of having a seizure. The team immediately sprang into action: one colleague contacted the parents and called an ambulance, another prepared the necessary documents, while the class teachers calmly cared for the other children. Within twenty minutes, everything was handled seamlessly, without the need for words, each person playing their part. Afterwards, teachers continued to follow up on the child’s condition. Thankfully, the child was fine in the end. This episode truly demonstrated the professionalism and unity of the team.

Early childhood education is about accompanying the very first stages of life with care and dedication. To all my colleagues who have faithfully held their posts, I ask that you receive the recognition and applause you so richly deserve.