Hosting a Readathon is a powerful way to encourage children to develop a love for reading while raising awareness and funds for literacy programs. Whether you’re a school, parent group, or community organization, joining REadCONNECT’s Readathon is simple and impactful. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Register Your School or Group

• Visit the REadCONNECT website and sign up to become an official Readathon partner.
• Assign a Readathon Coordinator within your school or organization to oversee the event.
• Receive a Readathon Starter Kit, which includes reading logs, fundraising tools, and promotional materials.

Step 2: Set Your Readathon Goals

• Decide on the duration of your Readathon (e.g., one week, one month, or a set number of reading hours per student).
• Set a reading target for participants (e.g., total minutes, books read, or number of pages).
• Establish a fundraising goal, with proceeds supporting Bring Me a Book Hong Kong’s literacy programs.

Step 3: Get Students and Parents Involved

• Host a kick-off event at your school or online to introduce the Readathon and excite students.
• Distribute reading logs or digital tracking tools to help students track their progress.
• Encourage parents to read with their children daily and participate in family reading activities.

Step 4: Promote Your Readathon

• Use social media, school newsletters, and community boards to spread the word.
• Engage teachers and librarians to recommend books suitable for different age groups.
• Encourage students to share their reading journey with photos, videos, and testimonials using the hashtag #REadCONNECTHK.

Step 5: Track Progress and Motivate Participants

• Set up a leaderboard or recognition system to celebrate top readers.
• Organize weekly challenges to keep students engaged (e.g., “Read a Book in a Funny Voice” Challenge).
• Offer incentives or rewards such as certificates, badges, or book prizes.

Step 6: Encourage Fundraising Support

• Guide students in setting up their JustGiving pages for sponsorships.
• Ask families, friends, and businesses to sponsor students for each book read.
• Promote the cause by sharing why reading matters and how funds will support literacy programs.

Step 7: Host a Closing Celebration

• Organize a Readathon Finale Event at school or online, recognizing top readers and fundraisers.
• Invite a guest author or storyteller for an engaging storytelling session.
• Share impact stories showcasing how the Readathon has inspired a love of reading.

Step 8: Keep the Momentum Going

• Encourage families to continue reading together beyond the Readathon.
• Provide a recommended book list for students to explore after the event.
• Stay connected with REadCONNECT for future reading initiatives and literacy programs.

By joining REadCONNECT’s Readathon, you’re not just promoting reading—you’re building a community that values literacy, bonding, and lifelong learning. Ready to get started? Sign up today and bring the joy of reading to your school!

Start your REadCONNECT Readathon here

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Cervical cancer is on the rise in Hong Kong, with 42.6% of new cases diagnosed at an advanced stage. Despite the fact that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in women, the screening rate in Hong Kong remains shockingly low—only 39% of women have undergone regular screening. This means many are missing out on life-saving early detection.

Regular screening can reduce the risk of cervical cancer and death by up to 90%, but too many women remain unaware of the importance of timely checks. As the disease continues to impact more women, it’s crucial that we break down the barriers preventing regular screenings and empower women to take control of their health.

In this WOI Insights post, we sit down with the Karen Leung Foundation (KLF) to explore the current state of cervical cancer in Hong Kong. We look at the barriers women face in accessing screenings, and how innovative solutions like Roche Diagnostics HPV self-sampling are changing the game. The statistics are alarming, but there is hope—through education, awareness, and action, we can make a significant impact. Let’s accelerate cervical cancer prevention in Hong Kong.

Cervical Cancer in Hong Kong: A Preventable Crisis

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with over half a million new cases reported each year. In Hong Kong, however, the statistics are particularly troubling. Over the past decade, the number of new cervical cancer cases has risen by 30%, with 522 new cases reported in 2022 alone. Even more alarming is the fact that 42.6% of these cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage, meaning that for too many women, it was too late for successful treatment.

This is not a unique problem for Hong Kong. Globally, cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV is common and usually asymptomatic, persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer if left undetected. In fact, by the age of 50, it’s estimated that 80% of women will have been infected with HPV. Yet, the majority of these infections do not lead to cancer, thanks to early detection through regular screening.

The Life-Saving Power of Regular Screening

Cervical screening is the single most effective way to prevent cervical cancer. In fact, regular screenings can reduce the risk of cervical cancer and death by as much as 90%. Screening options like the Pap smear or HPV testing allow for early detection of abnormalities that could lead to cancer, even before symptoms appear.

The impact of timely screenings cannot be overstated. For women aged 35 to 64, regular screening can reduce the risk of death from cervical cancer by 92%​. Even for younger women aged 25 to 34, screening can lower the risk of death by 73%​. These are remarkable statistics that show how much early detection can change the outcome for women diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Unfortunately, fewer women in Hong Kong are taking advantage of this life-saving opportunity. Despite the benefits, only 39% of women in Hong Kong have undergone cervical screening. This is a stark reminder that more must be done to raise awareness about the importance of screening and to make these screenings more accessible to women across the city.

Why Aren’t More Women Getting Screened?

According to a 2024 survey, the reasons for this low screening rate are varied. One of the biggest barriers is the fear of pain, with 34% of women saying they are too afraid to undergo screening because of discomfort. Others feel they are healthy and don’t see the need for screening, while 17% are simply too busy with work or life responsibilities to take time off for a check-up.

Additionally, a lack of awareness is contributing to the problem. Only 38% of women in Hong Kong are knowledgeable about cervical cancer screening. This lack of understanding can prevent women from seeking out screenings or even recognizing the risks associated with not being tested regularly.

These statistics reflect a significant gap in education and outreach efforts. To close this gap, we need to focus on increasing awareness about the benefits of cervical screening and providing women with the support they need to overcome the barriers preventing them from seeking care.

The Future of Screening: HPV Self-Sampling

One solution that could help address some of the barriers to cervical cancer screening is HPV self-sampling. This innovative method allows women to collect their own samples for HPV testing in the comfort and privacy of their own home. HPV self-sampling has been shown to provide similar accuracy to samples collected by clinicians, while also offering women the convenience and privacy that traditional screening methods may not.

Self-sampling is a breakthrough in accessibility and could significantly increase the number of women getting screened. By offering a less invasive and more private option for testing, self-sampling could help alleviate the fear and discomfort that many women associate with cervical screenings.

In addition to self-sampling, innovative programs like the KLF’s “HK Women’s Checkup Campaign” are making screening more accessible to underprivileged women. This program, which offers free cervical cancer screenings to 300 eligible women, provides both self-collection and clinician-led testing options. If test results are abnormal, the program ensures follow-up services, providing the necessary support for women to seek treatment.

Mental Health and Cervical Cancer: The Hidden Burden

While much of the focus on cervical cancer revolves around early detection and prevention, it’s important to acknowledge the emotional toll that the disease can have on women. Research has shown that nearly half of gynecological cancer patients suffer from depression, with women in Asian populations facing a particularly high rate of mental health challenges. In southwest China, 44% of patients with gynecological cancer experience depression, compared to only 22-26% in Western countries.

The psychological impact of cervical cancer is often underestimated, but it is just as crucial as the physical treatment of the disease. Providing mental health support alongside medical treatment can significantly improve the overall well-being of patients and survivors, helping them navigate the emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

#AcceleratingAction: What Can Be Done?

The statistics are clear: cervical cancer in Hong Kong is on the rise, and too many women are missing out on the opportunity for early detection. However, there is hope. By breaking down the barriers to screening—through education, better access to services, and innovative solutions like HPV self-sampling—we can make a real difference in the fight against cervical cancer.

It’s time for action. The government, healthcare providers, and community organizations must work together to raise awareness and ensure that every woman in Hong Kong has access to the screenings and support she needs.

If you’re a woman reading this, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Regular screenings can save your life. Take control of your health today. Whether it’s participating in the “HK Women’s Checkup Campaign” or scheduling a regular screening, make cervical health a priority.

Let’s take action to ensure that cervical cancer is no longer a preventable tragedy. Together, we can make a difference. For more information and to register for the “HK Women’s Checkup Campaign,” visit the Karen Leung Foundation’s website and join the movement for better health.

This is a call to arms for women in Hong Kong—don’t wait. Break the silence, take control, and spread the word about the importance of cervical cancer screening. The time to act is now.

We hope you found this article useful, thank you for taking the time to read it. Come back soon!

You may also enjoy Hong Kong Parents, Are You Making This Critical Mistake? Why Reading With Your Child Is More Important Than Ever

If you think Hong Kong’s education system alone will set your child up for success, think again. While local students consistently perform well in exams, a deeper issue is emerging—children are losing confidence in their reading ability, and parental engagement in literacy is alarmingly low.

A study from PIRLS ranked Hong Kong 49th out of 57 countries in reading confidence among Primary 4 students, and parental engagement in reading ranks second to last in the world. Only 16% of Hong Kong parents engage in preschool literacy activities, compared to 74% globally. This means many children are missing out on crucial early development skills that can shape their future.

Enter REadCONNECT, a city-wide movement designed to turn the tide. This spring, Bring Me A Book Hong Kong is launching an ambitious campaign to inspire parents to reclaim their role in their child’s reading journey. And the best part? It only takes 10 minutes a day.

The Science Is Clear: Reading Together Changes Everything

The benefits of shared reading go far beyond literacy. Neuroscience shows that reading aloud activates 20% more of a child’s brain than reading independently, lighting up areas responsible for comprehension, memory, and creativity.

– Children who are read to daily hear 1.4 million more words by age five, setting them up for lifelong academic success (Ohio State University).
– Reading releases oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, deepening parent-child bonds and reducing stress (Harvard Medical School*).
– Family reading time fosters emotional intelligence, sparking meaningful conversations that build resilience, empathy, and confidence.
– Screentime cannot replace human connection. Reading together provides irreplaceable moments of learning and bonding that technology simply cannot replicate. According to an article by South China Morning Post (SCMP), about 28 per cent of parents say their children’s use of electronic devices resulted in verbal insults, physical threats or unreasonable punishment.

The REadCONNECT Movement: Join the Biggest Family Literacy Celebration in Hong Kong

REadCONNECT is bringing parents, children, and educators together in an exciting lineup of events designed to make reading fun, interactive, and meaningful.

March 8 – Hong Kong Central Library, Causeway Bay(10:00 – 11:30 AM): Dr. Fanny Lam will present research on how shared reading boosts executive function, cognitive skills, and emotional resilience—all critical for success in today’s world.

March & April – Readathon Challenge: Schools and families can sign up for the REadCONNECT Readathon, where parents and children commit to daily reading and raise funds to support literacy programs.

April 27 – REadCONNECT Tram Parade & Family Day:
– Hop aboard a branded storytelling tram, traveling from Whitty Street to Causeway Bay, bringing books to life in a unique moving experience.
– Meet and greet celebrity authors and illustrators in the “Bring Me an Author” series, where families can experience firsthand the magic of storytelling.
– Get creative at the interactive bookmaking workshop at Hong Kong Central Library, inspired by Mo Willems’ beloved Knuffle Bunny trilogy.

How You Can Get Involved

✔️ Parents – Start small. Just 10 minutes a day of reading can transform your child’s future. Sign up for the Readathon and make shared reading a fun, rewarding habit.
✔️ Schools – Encourage students to join the challenge and create a JustGiving page to raise funds for Bring Me A Book Hong Kong’s literacy initiatives.
✔️ Community Leaders & Ambassadors – Spread the word. The more families who commit to reading, the greater the impact on the next generation.

Hong Kong parents are passionate about education, but true success starts at home and the facts can no longer be ignored. REadCONNECT isn’t just about literacy—it’s about building stronger families, resilient children, and a community where learning is celebrated together.

Ready to take action?
Join the movement today and start a Readathon at your school or organisation. Simply click below to get started: https://legacy.simplygiving.com/event/readconnect

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