By the grace of God, Hong Kong YWCA celebrates its 105th anniversary this year. We remain committed to the mission of “Enhancement of Life”, steadfastly upholding our core values and delivering social services that enrich lives and benefit the community.

Since its founding, the Association has rooted its services in Christian faith. With Christ’s love, we serve those in need through diverse social services, and act as a bridge between church and society, with the aim to nurture holistic development–physical, psychological, social and spiritual–and cultivate abundant lives.

Hong Kong YWCA was established in 1920 by four devoted Christian women who recognized the needs of women and prayed for divine guidance. They gathered women for Bible study and prayer in response to God’s calling. Student fellowships were also launched in girls’ schools. 

Today, we continue to follow God’s guidance and the footsteps of our founders. Weekly Bible study sessions initiated by our Honorary President and led by Honorary Director are held at headquarters. The Board Fellowship meets regularly, with Directors sharing their spiritual journeys. Devotions and prayers precede meetings at all levels–from the Board and committees to staff meetings. Pastors were invited to share messages at the Founding Day Prayer Meeting, Prayer Meeting for Board, Committee and Staff, and World YMCA/YWCA Week of Prayer Joint Service and World Fellowship we co-hosted with YMCA of Hong Kong and Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong. By nurturing the spiritual growth of our Board and committee members, staff, volunteers and members, and passing on a faith-based mission of service, we hope to become vessels of God’s grace and witness the richness of life in Christ.

While social service organizations and different sectors of society are facing various challenges, we firmly believe that we can overcome adversity with faith and hope, just as our predecessors who remained determined to serve those in need with love and sincerity despite obstacles and limited resources. This is all made possible by our commitment to original calling and earnest prayer, believing that God walks with us. May I quote a verse from Zechariah 4:6, which is also the motto of the World YWCA: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty, and hope these words continue to encourage and inspire us.

As a member of the social welfare sector, society, and the nation at large, the Association actively supports the Government’s commitment to good governance and recognizes the importance of safeguarding national security. 

We have participated in various initiatives, including the symposium on safeguarding national security for social welfare sector of Hong Kong, sharing session for social welfare sector on 5th anniversary of promulgation and implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law, and a visit to the National Security Exhibition Gallery. Staff were also delegated to join the “Connecting Hearts” National Studies Programme, a six-day study visit to Beijing to gain a broader understanding of national development. In addition, our service units promoted national security awareness, and cultivated a sense of belonging to our country through activities such as flag-raising ceremonies and quiz competitions.

The Association also strives to strengthen ties with Mainland China through professional exchange and shared learning in social services and welfare development. With support from government funding and the Connecting Hearts, our staff joined exchange tours to Chaozhou, Shaoguan, Guangzhou and Foshan to visit local welfare institutions and exchange insights, broadening our professional horizons and deepening understanding of national development.

Besides, our Aged Care and Community Health Service Department visited care homes and medical facilities in the Greater Bay Area, gaining firsthand insight into the Mainland’s rapid progress in eldercare and healthcare. The Early Childhood Education Department conducted a professional exchange in Zhuhai, visiting kindergartens and sharing teaching practices. Under the Strive and Rise Programme, the Association led nearly 100 grassroots youth on a five-day learning journey to Sichuan, fostering cultural awareness and a stronger sense of national identity.

We have maintained close ties with our YWCA sisters in Mainland China and were pleased to have engaged in various service exchanges and collaborations over the past year. Notably, we co-organized a youth volunteer service exchange tour with YWCA of Xi’an, bringing together young volunteers from both regions to learn from one another, deepening mutual understanding and building lasting friendships. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen our connection with the Mainland, foster professional exchange and collaboration, and to learn and enhance our service quality from these experiences.

Founded in 1920, the Association marks its 105th anniversary this year. Reaching this significant milestone, we would like to express heartfelt gratitude for God’s blessings and reaffirm our commitment to advancing women’s welfare and serving the community. It is with our dedication and unity that the Association has grown into an organization under God’s guidance, with more than 100 service units across Hong Kong serving infants, children, youth, elderly, women and families, with over 3 million service attendances annually.

With the Founding Day Prayer Meeting in March marking the kick-off of the celebration, a series of commemorative events followed, including a National Day concert featuring the Hong Kong YWCA Chinese Orchestra and renowned Mainland musicians, thanksgiving celebration, young women’s forum, celebration dinner, and service exchange meeting. YWCA sisters from Mainland China and Asian regions were also invited to foster fellowship and further the YWCA Movement together. On this special occasion, let us reflect on God’s abundant grace and renew our commitment to the YWCA’s founding mission, and continue to serve the community with Christ’s love.

Finally, on behalf of the Association, I would like to extend my gratitude to our Honorary Presidents, Honorary Directors, Board members, committee members, staff, volunteers, and members for their unwavering dedication. We also thank the government departments, donors, partners, and community leaders for their continued support and trust. It is through this shared journey that our services have flourished.