As the Chatteris Educational Foundation celebrates its 35th anniversary, we explore the origins and evolution of Chatteris. Founding Trustees Evelyn Fergusson and Margaret Kwee share with Lamia Farrah about their motivations for starting the organisation, the challenges they faced, and the significant milestones that have shaped its development over the past 35 years.

 

Chatteris is 35 years old. What motivated you to start this charity?

 

Evelyn Fergusson:

Our first board member was Mona Leung, who ran a school and noticed that many of her students had never spoken to a foreigner. She invited Margaret and I to chat with small groups of children. At that time in Hong Kong, especially in the business sector, many people were concerned about the low standard of English, which inspired us to start something. We gathered friends who felt the same way to volunteer, and thus began our journey as a small group going into schools for English conversation.

Almost all schools in Hong Kong used English as the medium of instruction, even for children with limited English. There was a significant need for enjoyable language assimilation, especially since there was no Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme. Steve Andrews was instrumental as a contact in Hong Kong and later as a board member. He was Dean of Education at the University of Hong Kong and his support was invaluable. His daughter even became a Chatteris English Tutor!

The demand was extraordinary. Parents approached me asking why their children couldn’t participate in our programme, highlighting the huge need that we could only partially meet as a small volunteer group.

Why do you think the original board members joined Chatteris?

 

Margaret Kwee: 

Our first board members were Mona Leung, Victor Fung, and Peter Edwards. Our board has always been actively involved and contributing. John Ng has also been an important part of our history, as he worked with Chatteris several times in his capacity as a management consultant and later joined the Board. His work was pivotal for institutionalising Chatteris. Sally Cheung is another Board member who has served as CEO during transitions and has also been vital to our understanding of Chatteris’ business and structures.

 

What were some key moments that helped Chatteris evolve from its original concept to where it is today?

 

Evelyn Fergusson:

One major change was deciding to take graduates instead of school leavers. A current board member advised us on formalising our board, which brought in experts in education and finance. This transition professionalised and institutionalised our operations.

Institutionalising our operations allowed us to fundraise and initiate programmes like “One for One, Adopt a School” where we place free Chatteris English Tutors in less privileged schools. We moved, over time, to become a more expansive organisation, which has been crucial for Chatteris’ success.

Deepening our contribution to the community through our community outreach programmes and other various initiatives, not just providing Chatteris English Tutors to schools, but also aiming to make a contribution to the wider Hong Kong society.

 

Chatteris has developed a range of partnerships over the years. How do you see these collaborations influencing the organisation today?

 

Margaret Kwee: 

The connections with local schools and organisations have really broadened the reach and impact, especially through initiatives like the “One for One, Adopt a School” programme. It’s lovely to see how this fosters a sense of community involvement and allows donors to see the real impact of their support. I think nurturing those relationships is key.

The participation of corporate volunteers has also been impressive. Companies like UBS, Fitch Group, and Morgan Stanley contributing to the Chatteris Level-Up Learning Programme that supports schools with a high proportion of less privileged students and partners with corporate volunteers to deliver one-off English Workshops exemplify how professionals can make a difference in students’ lives. It’s wonderful to see that kind of engagement.

These partnerships serve to strengthen the ties between the corporate sector and education, which is so important. It’s gratifying to see how they support Chatteris’ mission. It’s about building connections that enrich educational opportunities for students.

 

The Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB) has been promoting the importance of out-of-classroom learning more in recent years. Evelyn, you’ve supported Chatteris in operating English-language hiking clubs, beach cleans, and environmental and sustainability camps for over a decade. What sparked this interest, and why do you think it’s important for Hong Kong students?

 

Evelyn Fergusson:

Outdoor activities and sustainability are my passions. In 1990, I completed the Maclehose Trail and asked people to donate to Chatteris. We raised enough to fund our first Chatteris English Tutors in Hong Kong. Activities like hiking are close to my heart, and I’ve always wanted to pivot Chatteris in this direction.

Very few of the beneficiary students we support have opportunities for authentic English language practice outside the school, unlike their more privileged peers. Some had never been hiking before or even been to a beach. It’s sad. Providing such opportunities helps with their English language skills, broadens their horizons, and positively impacts their education, health, and overall well-being.

 

As Chatteris celebrates its 35th anniversary, how do you envision its future?

 

Margaret Kwee: 

It’s important to continue, enhance, and diversify Chatteris’ programmes that support beneficiaries in innovatively addressing the problem of English in Hong Kong.

In terms of creating sustainable long-term impact on the education sector, it has been incredibly rewarding seeing Chatteris English Tutors remain in Hong Kong and obtain professional qualifications. We hope we can support them in this direction in the future.

Partnerships will undoubtedly continue to be important. Expanding the network and engaging with diverse stakeholders can enhance Chatteris’ initiatives for beneficiaries and create win-win partnerships in the community. It’s inspiring to see how collective efforts can further enrich the educational landscape in Hong Kong.

Picture of Evelyn and Margaret in the early years of Chatteris
 

If you are interested in learning more about our work in the community and getting involved, we would love to hear from you at community@chatteris.org.hk.