For individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN), including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), career opportunities are still often unfairly limited by systemic barriers and outdated perceptions. Our mission is to actively dismantle these barriers by championing new vocational avenues that harness the unique strengths and talents of this community.
We recognise that many of these young adults possess a natural affinity for animals. Through a collaborative funding partnership, Koo Foundation has joined with the Rise Wise Foundation to launch the Youth Pet Care Vocational Training with Animal Assisted Intervention programme, leveraging the therapeutic power of our "furry friends".
We recognise that many of these young adults possess a natural affinity for animals. Through a collaborative funding partnership, Koo Foundation has joined with the Rise Wise Foundation to launch the Youth Pet Care Vocational Training with Animal Assisted Intervention programme, leveraging the therapeutic power of our "furry friends".
Programme Details
Our collaboration is built on the proven expertise of the Rise Wise Foundation, a dedicated Hong Kong charity with a distinguished track record. Over the past six years, they have transformed over 11,000 lives through their innovative Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) approaches. By integrating therapy dogs into their programmes, they create a nurturing environment that enhances emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being for individuals with SEN.
Aligned perfectly with the Koo Foundation's vision, this two-year programme aims to empower 120 SEN youth aged between 15 and 25 through intensive training and hands on experience. By channeling their passion for animals into professional skills-such as dog sitting, cleaning, grooming, and pet hotel operations-they are building the confidence and self-reliance necessary to step into a meaningful, independent career path and a brighter future.
Aligned perfectly with the Koo Foundation's vision, this two-year programme aims to empower 120 SEN youth aged between 15 and 25 through intensive training and hands on experience. By channeling their passion for animals into professional skills-such as dog sitting, cleaning, grooming, and pet hotel operations-they are building the confidence and self-reliance necessary to step into a meaningful, independent career path and a brighter future.
Each cohort embark on six weeks of comprehensive training followed by a 20-hour, hands-on internship. Working alongside experts and therapy dogs, this unique blend of vocational skill-building and therapeutic support opens doors to lasting careers. We also believe that the therapeutic connection fostered through bonding with a furry friend significantly enhances social communication and emotional resilience, helping to combat feelings of loneliness and allowing participants to gain self-confidence in a comfortable, non-judgmental setting.
More than just a career path, we hope that through this programme, a profound love for animals can become the catalyst for lifelong professional opportunities, and equipping them to thrive and become impactful members of their community.
More than just a career path, we hope that through this programme, a profound love for animals can become the catalyst for lifelong professional opportunities, and equipping them to thrive and become impactful members of their community.