A piece of news on introducing the new 3-3-4 academic structure triggered Mr Sin Wing-sang, Edward, to devote in providing free tutorials for underprivileged students or those with learning difficulties. It was widely reported that during the transitional years, many secondary school students were in panic for having to face a brand new public exam, particularly for Mathematics — already a longtime nightmare for many. Being an actuary in profession, though retired, Mr Sin is no doubt an expert in Mathematics. Bearing the belief that “I should use my abilities to help more in need, when I still can”, Mr Sin embarked on his endeavor of teaching students lacking social support.

In 2008, Mr Sin approached the Ebenezer School to offer free tutorials for its visually impaired students. Since then, his serving targets have kept growing, covering the hearing impaired, physically disabled, orphans, youths with emotional or behavioral problems, new arrivals from Mainland China and ethnic minorities. He also gives tutorials to needy students at their homes. Over six years, he has already served more than 300 students. Since 2010, he has also participated in Correctional Services Department Rehabilitation Volunteer Group, to teach inmates local language and computer.

To arouse students’ interest and confidence in learning Mathematics, Mr Sin always applies innovative and interesting teaching approaches, such as incorporating games, activities or illustrations of daily life practical use of mathematics. At times, he also teaches some mathematical “tricks” to students lacking self-esteem, so that they can show off to others, impress them with their mathematical intelligence, and regain confidence from others’ recognition.

Mr Sin suffers from low vision himself; thus he can relate more to the problems faced by students of vulnerable groups. To better communicate with students with visual or hearing impairment, he learns Braille and sign language. To cater for different needs of students, he tailor-makes his teaching methods, such as providing special lesson notes or recordings of lessons, and responding to queries through email. He also helps arrange various interest classes such as in self-defense, swimming and chess playing, and subsidizes students to attend training in Mathematics Olympiad, in the hope of enriching the extra-curricular learning experiences and all-round development for students in need.

“One single person’s capability is bound to have limits. I thus make good use of my personal networks, such as university alumni, to promote volunteering. I hope to engage more kindred spirits who are capable to volunteer their tutorial service in more subjects like Arts, Science, Business or Liberal Studies, for more students in need.” Looking forward, Mr Sin hopes to reach out to self-destructive or suicidal students, to help them cope with not only learning problems but also life challenges. He is liaising with related organizations persistently for possible cooperation, in the hope of strengthening the power of humanity for more good causes.