The role of Friends of Hiba is difficult to define as it is much more than the concept of a traditional parent association. It combines the class parent representatives with a core committee of parents who hold defined roles within the team, under three main functions: Events, Charity Initiatives and Cha Hua Hui. These functions are supported by a Treasurer, Secretary General, Vice Chair for Communications and Vice Chair for Parent Representatives. Whilst I, as Head of Early Years hold the somewhat grand title of President, the team are led by a Chair who holds overall responsibility for the team, all of whom operate under the legal guidance of a constitution.
Friends of Hiba is not designed solely for the benefit of the nursery children; rather, it is for the adults, the parents, the families and the wider community. Nor is it led by the nursery staff. Friends of Hiba runs collaboratively with the nursery team only where necessary. This is something outside of the academic; this is something for you. It is a bringing together of the community in different ways, with different purposes in the hope that it serves the needs of most.
Eric
FOH Chair
As the chair, my work is to build the team and look for more members who are interested in working with us. Then we want to expand and refine the team, so we can be of service to the nursery's pupils and parents. We have had a lot of successful events in the past. It has been very gratifying to see this level of commitment from the Hiba Community in such challenging times. The increasing membership is something positive, my biggest hope is that more parents will take an interest in participating. Only by doing this with other parents can we build a culture in which our children can thrive.
Dora
Vice Chair Charity
I am new to the FOH committee, and when I joined, I immediately took an interest in FOH's charity work because of my experience in doing relief work after the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake. Back then, I was immediately inspired to go to Wenchuan with some friends. We helped rebuild a local primary school located in the mountains. It was a huge challenge. We had to wait a long time to get government approval to get building materials up into the mountains. It took a lot of effort and patience, but in the long run, it was deeply rewarding. When I learned that FOH also does this kind of work, I was very touched. I thought this would be a great opportunity to make a contribution by applying what I learned in Wenchuan.
Helping the children of the Dahua Yao Autonomous County in Guangxi Province has been such a worthwhile effort to be a part of. Even the tiniest action can help to improve the lives of the children in this underserved region of southeastern China. We have the opportunity to help them build the foundation for success in the future.
Kevin
Vice Chair Charity
Last year, we visited Dahua County for the first time. We went door-to-door to learn more about every local household, like the number of children they have, how many are enrolled or not enrolled in school and whether parents are working or farming at home. After gaining these insights into local conditions, we are confident that we can get our funding into the hands of those who desperately need it.
What impressed me the most about this trip was just how positive and upbeat the children were. They were so eager to learn. I’m really touched by that. Helping the children get a full education will be the biggest reward for me.
Love knows no distance
With the help of nearly 300 Hiba Nursery families and dozens of volunteers, we collected more than 700kg clothes for the children of Dahua Yao Autonomous County in Guangxi Province.
Our parents were very enthusiastic and generous about this year’s initiative, which began on 9th November. Their donations will clothe children in a range of ages, whether they are babies or teenagers. We collected a variety of items, such as clothes, bedding, shoes, socks, gloves and scarves. Nearly everything we asked for was donated, and we are confident that this was our biggest donation drive to date.
Dahua Yao Autonomous County is 1900km away, a distance easily overcome by love. Last year, our committee members visited Dahua to bring love and good tidings. This year, not even the pandemic could stop this charitable initiative. Together with the local charity organisation Wild Lily Foundation, we again sent much-needed materials to Dahua families just in time for winter.
In a month, it will be cold in the mountains. It will be soothing to hear that the slippers on the children's feet can be replaced by warm shoes delivered by our volunteers. Wearing warm winter clothes and having toys to play with, these are common joys that every young child deserves. The meaning of our charitable efforts is rooted in every one of our tiny, yet invaluable, deeds.
Mofley
Vice Chair Cha Hua Hui
'Cha Hua Hui' is fairly new to FOH, but the term itself is very old. The younger generation would probably rather use terms like 'brunch' or 'afternoon tea.' The concept is similar. We aim to bring FOH members together to enjoy tea and snacks, engage in an enriching activity and get to know each other better. This ultimately helps us to build a stronger FOH community.
2021-22 Academic Year:
Registration now open!
Attending one of our coffee mornings is a required part of the application process at Hiba Academy Shanghai. We will start hosting coffee mornings in November - as spaces fill up fast, please register early to avoid disappointment.If you are successful in securing a place at a coffee morning, you will receive an invitation from the admissions team with further details.
1.The year group that you wish to apply for and the number of seats available
2.Your child having satisfied the eligibility requirements
3.Your understanding and commitment to Hiba Nursery as demonstrated in the registration form
4.For year groups in which we have limited spaces, we will give further priority to child with Pudong hukou.
Please note that even if you have previously registered your interest in joining Hiba Academy Shanghai, you will still need to submit a further registration.
You can register your interest in the one of the following ways:
Via the openapply website https://hns.openapply.cn/ ; or
Scan the QR code below:
As you will be asked to upload certain documents, some users find it easier to complete the registration via a computer rather than a mobile phone.Further information about the application process can be found on the admissions pages of our website:
http://www.huilieducation.cn/shanghai-nursery/en/
