Married couple Andy Cheng and Jade Tsang are co-founders of the innovative venture “StarUp Wonders” and parents of a son and a daughter. Melody, their daughter, was diagnosed as moderately mentally handicapped but her interest in painting impressed her parents. The couple then came up with the idea of turning Melody’s works into merchandise to help her further develop her interest. Meanwhile, their son Leon had finished courses on running social enterprises. Aiming to help other young people similar to Melody, the family set up “StarUp Wonders”.
“StarUp Wonders” holds the belief that youths with intellectual disabilities (YID) are all talented. Through art, YID can express themselves and lead a wonderful life. “Star” in “StarUp Wonders” refers to YID whose talent in art is to be cultivated with guidance and assistance given by tutors, volunteers and professionals. “StarUp Wonders” provides YID with training in art and turns their works into merchandise items such as tote bags, bookmarks, table mats, gift boxes and household utensils. This bolsters the confidence of the YID and provides them with jobs and income. It also holds diverse activities such as interest classes, parent-child workshops, art exhibitions, performances, competitions and volunteering events, helping the YID to broaden their horizons and integrate into society and providing support networks to the parents who could be proud of their children’s accomplishments.
A person of virtue not only pursues one’s own success but also helps others to succeed. By setting up “StarUp Wonders”, Andy and Jade not only enable their daughter to develop her interest but also empower YID to manifest their talent. “StarUp Wonders” has been accompanying YID in creating wonders out of imperfection and making every “Star” shine.
Profession
otherScope of Services
education and trainingBeneficiaries
youth and children
persons with disabilitiesRead more
- Prototype project “StarUp Wonders” funded by the SIE Fund
- Short video Creating Social Value with Novelties: StarUp Wonders