Advancing Racial Inclusivity: Capability, Aspirations, Resources, and Engagement in Hong Kong Kindergartens

This study explored the challenges and opportunities faced by Hong Kong kindergartens in admitting ethnic minority students. Funded by the Equal Opportunities Commission, the research examined the impact of government subsidies on kindergarten admissions and the strategies employed to support ethnic minority children. Data were collected from 161 kindergartens through surveys and follow-up interviews, revealing that increased financial support led to greater acceptance of ethnic minority students. However, many kindergartens still faced obstacles such as resource limitations and lack of support from local communities. The report highlighted the strengths of kindergartens in terms of Capability, Aspirations, Resources, and Engagement (CARE framework) and provided actionable recommendations for enhancing inclusivity. By leveraging community resources and fostering a racially inclusive environment, kindergartens could better support ethnic minority students' development. This study contributed to the discourse on educational equity and offered insights for policymakers and educators to promote racial harmony in early childhood education settings.