The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) Hong Kong was officially
established in 1920 in a rented house on 59 Caine Road. It aimed to
provide services for school girls, homemakers, and female factory
workers. YWCA started its first literacy classes for domestic helpers
and factory workers in 1922, which grew into evening free schools taught
by students of girls’ schools and YWCA members. As a response to the
nationwide movement promoting girls’ education, staff of YWCA Hong Kong
helped to set up a number of Christian groups named ‘Light of China’
Club in secondary girls’ schools. They aimed to nurture Christian
virtues and patriotic sentiments in young girls, and promote an
all-round lifestyle stressing the importance of physical health and
social service. They organised regular meetings in individual schools,
as well as inter-school drama and singing contests, annual mass display
and joint summer camps. The YWCA has shared their archive with this
Collection, which includes photos, activity manuals, publications, and a
handmade scrap book.