New Plan office in Hong Kong

CEO of Plan Hong Kong, James Murray with colleagues from Plan International China

Plan International Hong Kong officially opens its doors today, three decades after the closure of the previous Plan Hong Kong office.

The opening of Plan Hong Kong brings the number of offices in developed countries that raise funds for Plan’s work to 18, which includes the Australian national office.

Plan in Australia has played a significant role in helping to establish the Hong Kong office, providing support both directly and remotely in areas such as setting up sponsorship and funding processes, writing business plans and installing IT systems, along with providing ongoing support and mentoring.

Starting out

Plan first started operations in Hong Kong in 1959 under the organisation’s original name, Foster Parents Plan. During that time, Plan focused its efforts on the challenges arising from the influx of refugees from mainland China, and around the region, and the subsequent overpopulation in shanty communities where thousands lived in cramped and unsanitary conditions.

Plan worked to provide these children and their families with education, food and shelter, as well as career counselling. Plan closed the office in 1973.

Marking the return, James Murray, Chief Executive Officer of Plan Hong Kong, said: “In many ways, the story of Plan Hong Kong mirrors the amazing development of the territory in which we helped provide the most basic needs to thousands of people living without sanitation or running water, to the present world-class city renowned for its generosity in helping those less fortunate.”

Plan International Chief Executive Officer Nigel Chapman said: “This office re-opening is a symbolic and significant step for Plan. It reaffirms our commitment to Hong Kong and highlights the growing influence of the region on the world stage. And it comes at a significant time as we implement our latest strategic plan, which specifically targets Hong Kong as a key partner in our work on behalf of disadvantaged children. Such is the importance and value we place on the city.”

Where are they now?

To mark the return, Plan Hong Kong has launched ‘Where are they now?’, a campaign calling on anyone who benefited from or worked with Plan from 1959 to 1973 to come forward and share their stories.

It is estimated that Plan assisted around 12,000 children and families in Hong Kong during that time.

You can watch a short video below about Alfred Cheung, one of these former sponsor children who is now the first Hong Kong resident to sponsor children through the new Plan Hong Kong office.