Please give generously to the Merrill Lynch, FCC, Po Leung Kuk Language Training Program for underprivileged children in Hong Kong  With the funds raised from your donations, plans are in place to start a new Development & Language Training Centre for Underprivileged Children in a public housing estate in the New Territories.              Classes for these children, who range from 3 to 18 years old, are designed to arouse their interest and facilitate language training through activities, reading materials and multimedia equipment with the guidance of native English and Putonghua teachers.  Results confirm that the children make substantial improvements in the language abilities when given access to these facilities. With enhanced language skills, the children also gain greater confidence and self-esteem. The Centre will also organize developmental programs and activities to enhance children’s social skills and strengthen their ability to face adversity. The FCC and Po Leung Kuk first set up a Language Training Program in 2004 and through this have been offering after-school English and Putonghua lessons as well as English storytelling sessions to children under the Kuk’s residential care. The program aims to strengthen the language proficiency of these children to enhance their communication skills and facilitate them in their pursuit of further studies and career development. Merrill Lynch is taking the lead to help raise funds to kick-off the new project. About Po Leung Kuk Po Leung Kuk is a renowned charitable organization in Hong Kong with a long history. Founded in 1878 as a temporary refuge for victims of abduction cases, the Kuk has now developed into a dynamic and diversified social service organization. It now operates over 200 units offering residential and day care for children, rehabilitation of the mentally handicapped, care for the elderly, as well as education of the young. The setting up of a second language centre will mark a major milestone in the Po Leung Kuk's efforts to help the less fortunate. About FCC Ball The inaugural FCC Charity Ball was held in 2002 and has since provided considerable funding in support of the charity work of Po Leung Kuk. Proceeds from this annual charity event have been used to set up a Scholarship Fund to help needy youngsters in the pursuit of higher education. It has also made possible the Language Training Program, which aims to nurture underprivileged children under the Kuk’s care with bi-literate and tri-lingual ability. The project has seen tremendous growth with the strong support of the FCC Charity Fund Committee as well as many donors and corporations. Since the project started, 43 students have been awarded scholarships in their pursuit of higher education. About Merrill Lynch Since 1960, when the firm first established an office in Hong Kong, Merrill Lynch has played a significant role in developing the region's capital markets. Today, we have one of the strongest regional network of any investment bank in Asia. We also have an active charity arm in the region, funding a range of children's and education-related projects.