We are proud pioneers of social advocacy initiatives aimed at empowering ethnic minority communities in Hong Kong more than two decades ago. Our journey began with a bold vision to address systemic barriers faced by qualified teachers from South Asian origins, particularly in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT).

Recognizing the immense talent and potential within the South Asian community, we embarked on a mission to train and place qualified teachers in local primary and secondary schools. However, our efforts were met with resistance due to prevailing attitudes of native speakerism within ELT, which favoured teachers from English-speaking countries over equally or more qualified South Asian educators.

Undeterred by obstacles, the director of Learning & Development Foundation -Dr. Rita Vyas Nagarkar, took decisive action by engaging with the Native English Teacher scheme in its early days. Through advocacy and education, we challenged the status quo and advocated for the hiring of qualified ESL/EFL teachers, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. Our unsolicited report to the Education Department of Hong Kong served as a catalyst for change, leading to a paradigm shift in hiring practices.

Today, we are proud to witness the transformational impact of our advocacy efforts. Over the span of two decades, South Asian teachers have become an integral part of the NET teacher community in both primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong. This success story is a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

As we celebrate this milestone, Learning & Development Foundation remains dedicated to advocating for the rights and opportunities of ethnic minority communities in Hong Kong. Through ongoing initiatives and partnerships, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all individuals are valued and empowered to pursue their aspirations.

Join us in our mission to champion diversity, challenge stereotypes, and build a brighter future for all in Hong Kong's education landscape. Together, let's continue to break down barriers and create opportunities for every teacher, regardless of their background or ethnicity.