As parents of a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN), we deeply comprehend the significance of securing high-quality and professional services for children.

Twenty-four years ago, at the zenith of our professional careers, the untimely passing of our son, Benjamin, prompted us to establish the social enterprise Confiserie Benji Ltd. This endeavor was aimed at supporting the operations of a non-profit voluntary organization, “Benji’s Centre.” As pioneers, we provided a “one-on-one” speech therapy center with subsidized to fully waived fees for children with speech delays from low-income families.

Over the years, we have dedicated ourselves wholeheartedly to special education, working diligently alongside our colleagues on the development of both the social enterprise and the Centre. Regrettably, just as the enterprise and the Centre were establishing a robust foundation, we encountered a series of social events, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the trend of Hong Kong residents traveling north to spend. After six years of arduous operations, the number of employees in the social enterprise has diminished from nearly a hundred to just over ten today. The “Leonidas” Belgian chocolate boutique, which we represented in Hong Kong for 22 years, and the “La Parole” French restaurant, which had been operational for 20 years, both ceased operations in 2024. Presently, only “Shou Zen Japanese Cuisine” remains, striving independently.

Although the aforementioned situation may appear disheartening, the two of us remain profoundly grateful to the divine entity we hold dear. Our most cherished “Benji’s Centre” has emerged resiliently today, receiving support and sustenance from various sources, ensuring its continued existence.

In addition to a robust team of advisors and executive committee members who align with our vision, provide silent support, and guide the Centre’s development, Benji’s Centre also boasts a dedicated group of frontline professional therapists, social workers, and administrative staff who share our triumphs and challenges. Consequently, our services can continue to expand and flourish, centered around the needs of the children and offering comprehensive support. For instance, we consistently organize various large-scale outdoor family activities, weekend tutorial classes, an 80-member choir, and a 12-member football team annually.

At the Centre’s 20th-anniversary concert, “We Were Born to Shine,” we presented 20 distinguished awards to our graduates. Notably, 2 have enrolled in university, 7 have been admitted to Band One secondary schools, 5 have attained Grade 8 violin diplomas, 1 has achieved a Grade 7 piano diploma with distinction, and 2 have emerged victorious in the Schools Speech Festival, securing championship and merit awards, respectively. Numerous children have achieved exceptional academic accomplishments at school, earning Math Olympiad awards and clinching champion/runner-up titles in open sports competitions. Standing together on stage, they formed an outstanding masterpiece, captivating every guest in the audience and inspiring every advisor, committee member, colleague, generous donor, caring ambassador, and volunteer friend who supports the Centre’s endeavors. The efforts of the children, parents, and the Centre’s team truly warrant a resounding round of applause!

Another core service provided by Benji’s Centre is parent support. We extend our sincere gratitude to the generous donors who contribute to our mental health rehabilitation services, the clinical psychologists who serve on a voluntary or semi-voluntary basis, and the numerous doctors who strongly support our work. Their assistance has enabled the Centre to assist numerous parents in overcoming adversity and rebuilding fulfilling lives and happy families over the years.

Over the past two decades, the Centre has assisted hundreds of families in overcoming financial hardships. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we expressed profound gratitude to the philanthropists, compassionate commercial organizations, fellow non-governmental organizations, community groups, and volunteer friends who entrusted us with their support. Their generous donations of substantial cash, supermarket vouchers, and essential supplies enabled the Centre to function as a conduit of care, thereby providing blessings to the underprivileged communities within Hong Kong society.

We firmly believe that Benji’s Centre will continue to serve as a vital resource hub and a supportive network for SEN children and their parents, both in the present and the future.

Sincerely,

Viola & Raymond Wong