Seeing Kindness · Sparking Hope
In 2026, the Humanity Award is themed “Seeing Kindness · Sparking Hope.” The theme encourages children to look closely at the needs around them — to “see” with empathy — and turn their kindness into genuine actions that bring hope and positive change to others. Professor Fred Hollows, founder of The Fred Hollows Foundation, believed that: “The basic attribute of mankind is to look after each other.” The Humanity Award embodies this belief by empowering students to turn compassion into action and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We believe that when children are given the opportunity to observe, understand and respond to the needs of others, they develop empathy, responsibility and a sense of purpose — and realise that they, too, have the power to make a difference.
Eligibility & Submission Requirements
Eligibility
- Primary 3 to Primary 6 students in Hong Kong, or aged 8–12
- Nominations can be made by:
- Schools (Teachers / Principals)
- Charities
- Social workers
- Parents / guardians
**No limit to the number of nominations per school or organisation
**Individual or group submissions are accepted
Submission Requirements
Students should briefly describe the positive action(s) they carried out over the past year — for example, helping others, serving the community, or responding to a need they observed.
Supporting materials such as photos or certificates are optional but may help the judging panel better understand the student’s contribution.
The Award does not use separate categories. All individual and group submissions will be reviewed under the same assessment framework.
Judging Criteria
Entries should demonstrate one or more of the following core values:
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Eye Health 眼健康Promoting eye health awareness or eye-care related initiatives |
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Integrity 誠信Treating others with honesty, empathy and fairness
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Collaboration 協同Working with others to achieve positive outcomes
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Action 行動Actively taking part in activities that support the community |
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Resourceful 睿智Using creativity or problem-solving to help others |
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Energised 活力Encouraging and uplifting others with a positive attitude |
Judges will also consider proactivity, overall design of the project, creativity and the actual impact on individuals or the community.
Awards & Key Dates
Awards
Every act of kindness deserves recognition.
- 6 Humanity Ambassadors (Eye Health, Energised, Collaboration, Action, Resourceful, Integrity)
- 6 Merit Awards
- 1 Most Active Participation School
- Certificates for all participants
Schools of the Humanity Ambassadors will be offered an Eye Health Talk delivered by The Fred Hollows Foundation.
Key Dates
Application Opens: 10 February 2026
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 (Nominations are now closed)
Results Announcement: 20 May 2026
Award Presentation Ceremony: 13 June 2026
Enquiries
Tel: 3614 6240
Email: [email protected]
About the Fred Hollows Humanity Award
Small Steps, Big Impact: 10 Years of Changing Lives
Professor Fred Hollows, founder of The Fred Hollows Foundation, believed in “the basic attribute of mankind is to look after each other”. The Humanity Award, first launched in Australia in 2012 and introduced to Hong Kong in 2017, is one of the flagship activities of The Foundation in Hong Kong. The award carries on Professor Hollows' belief, encouraging students to turnput the idea of doing good into action within their communities. We firmly believe that creating space for children to care for and give back to the community amid their busy academic lives is crucial for their personal growth.
Learn about the awarded projects: 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024| 2025
The Fred Hollows Humanity Award 2025 - Prize Giving Ceremony
FAQs
The Humanity Award is an annual recognition program organised by The Fred Hollows Foundation. It honours students who demonstrate kindness, empathy and a strong sense of community through meaningful actions that make a positive difference.
Any Primary 3 to Primary 6 student in Hong Kong — or any child aged 8–12 — is eligible to be nominated.
Students may be nominated by teachers, principals, social workers, charitiesy, or parents / guardians. There is no limit to the number of students that an individual, school or organisation may nominate.
Supporting materials may be provided after submitting the online application. They should be sent by replying to the confirmation email using the nominator’s registered email address, with the relevant files attached for identification.
Results will be announced on the official website in mid-May 2026. Awardees’ nominators and parents/guardians will also receive individual email notifications.May 2026.
All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Judges will also select the following awardees:
- 6 Humanity Ambassadors (representing Action, Collaboration, Integrity, Resourceful, Energised & Eye Health)
- 6 Merit Award recipients
- 1 Most Active Participating School
Schools of the Humanity Ambassadors will also receive a Eye Health Talk.
