To sustain Hong Kong's position as Asia's leading digital city and narrow the digital divide, the Government assists students from low-income families to embark on online learning at home.
Vincent Shih and Peter Wong are two students whose lives are being transformed after joining the Internet Learning Support Programme through the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer.
The programme invites non-governmental organisations to help families in need acquire affordable computer equipment and Internet access, and deliver personal support and training to them so children and parents can tap the online world's potential.
The Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong stepped up to help Vincent. The 12-year-old has spinal muscular atrophy, a condition that causes muscle weakness and poor motor skills. He had been sharing an old-model desktop computer with his three siblings, but found it difficult to work the clunky keyboard.
The NGO was able to supply a donated notebook for him to use instead, and sent mentor May Ng to visit him each month. She imparts technical know-how, such as how to use email, search engines, and an online learning platform. She also taught him how to write mobile applications, or apps.
Instead of being trapped on the outside peering in, Vincent is now fully immersed in the online world and hopes to become an apps developer. Both he and his mentor are pleased.
"I think this computer has helped him realise his dreams. We helped by opening the door for him to achieve those dreams one step at a time," Ms Ng said.
Portable progress
Growing up in a low-income family, Peter did not have a computer of his own. After school, he would visit the public library, a friend or church to use a computer for online learning. After his family enrolled in the programme, though, he also received a donated laptop computer from the Boys' & Girls' Clubs Association. He brings it to a church near his home to use free Internet service there to do his homework.
"I'm glad I don't need to go to the library to use a computer any more. It was so far from home," Peter said.
His mentor, Paul Ng, is studying for a higher diploma in mobile application development at the Vocational Training Council. He shares his newfound knowledge, encouraging Peter to write apps himself for easier access to the educational websites he now uses regularly.
Peter's father credits the programme with alleviating some of his financial pressure as he could not afford to equip his son with a computer without it. He also welcomes Mr Ng volunteering his time to teach his son what he cannot.
"I believe my son has benefitted greatly after we joined the programme, and I hope more families and students will benefit," Mr Wong said.
Wired for learning
Families receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance with children studying in primary or secondary schools, and families with children that are eligible for student financial assistance can receive annual subsidies under the programme. Based on estimates from the Social Welfare Department and related Government bodies, the OGCIO estimates about 310,000 families are eligible to participate.
Evidence suggests the programme is meeting its goal. The Internet adoption rate for students from low-income families has risen from 87% in 2010 - a year before the programme's launch - to 96.4% in 2014. That is a rate on par with that of mainstream students.
The OGCIO will continue to adopt measures to reach out to the disadvantaged, including people with disabilities and seniors, to enable technology to boost their quality of life.
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