Membership Information

You may select between a Adult Membership and Youth Membership.  Adult Membership covers yourself, your spouse, and unlimited number of children under the age of 18 and, your domestic helper(s) for courses covered within the ‘Helpers’ section.  Youth Membership is for children under the age of 18 and is suitable for families who take children’s classes.  The parent does not need to be a member to attend classes with their child unless specified.

*Annual Membership is valid for three consecutive terms commencing the term in which you apply.

Spring Term: January to April

Summer Term: May to August

Autumn Term: September to December

Membership Application

1.           To apply for membership, please complete the Membership Application Forms.

2.           Membership Application Forms may be acquired:

       -       Online at the ESMD website (esmd@ywca.org.hk)

     -     From the ESMD office, 3/F, 1 MacDonnell Road, Central, Hong Kong 

3.           Submit completed Membership Application Forms with payment to the above address.

4.     Member's online login and password will be emailed to you after the application is confirmed.  Current members can enjoy online enrollment with their login.  Please provide the accurate email address and remember to inform our office of any changes                                            

Membership fees are non refundable under any circumstances.

Children must meet the minimum age requirement for each enrolled course.  We reserve the right for proof of ages.  It is the parent’s responsibility that they enrol their children in the correct age group.  Cancellation will be made if this requirement is not met which will not be refundable, transferable or creditable.  

Enrolment Procedures

Online Enrolment

1. Only current ESMD members have access to online enrolment.

2. Member’s online login and password will be emailed to the member after membership application is confirmed.

3. Members should not disclose their password to others. ESMD is not responsible for any misuse of membership due to members disclosing their own password.

In Person Or By Post:

 1. To enrol in courses please complete a Course Application Form

2. Course Application Forms may be acquired:

- Online at the ESMD website (esmd@ywca.org.hk)

- From the ESMD office, 3/F, 1 MacDonnellRoad, Central, Hong Kong

3. Applications are only confirmed when supported by correct payment

4. Please take care to complete the Course Application Form correctly, including the course code, date and course fee. Inaccurate information on forms may lead to incorrect enrolments and may halt enrolment entirely for which ESMD will not be responsible.

5. If applying for courses as a non-member or applying for a guest please be sure to include the correct non-member course fee.

6. Submit completed Course Application Forms with payment to ESMD office.

7. We operate on a “first come, first served” basis and all applications will only be processed if accompanied by correct payment.

8. Course applications can be submitted together with a Membership Application Form.

9. You will receive email confirmation of course enrolment. Please provide the accurate email address and remember to inform our office of any changes.

IMPORTANT :Course reminders are not issued before the start of a course. Please note course dates and times. To avoid disappointment it is recommended that course applications are made AT LEAST 5 WORKING DAYS prior to course commencement.

Non-Members and Guests

1. The ESMD welcomes non-members and guests to all activities. Non-member fees do apply.

2. Non-members and guests are not eligible for the benefits and discounts offered through membership with the ‘Y’.

3. Non-members and guests automatically agree abide by the Terms & Conditions and to observe the Policies and Procedures of the English Speaking Members Department.

 Payment Methods

1. By online payment (Visa): Online course enrolment is only accessible to current members. It provides members with convenience when enroling for courses. Upon joining the ESMD membership, you will receive online login details by email. You can use your personal login and password to enrol the courses online.

2. By cash: Please pay in cash at the ESMD front office.  Please do not send cash by mail. The ESMD will not be responsible for loss of cash payments sent by mail.

3. By credit card (Visa or Mater Card): Credit Card payment is acceptable for fees over HK$200.  Please pay by credit card at the ESMD front office.  Credit card payment can only be made in person.  We will not accept credit card payment by fax, mail, email or over the phone.

4. By cheque: Please make crossed cheques payable to "HK-YWCA".  Cheques with incorrect details will not be accepted.  Please confirm exact amount with customer service in case of any doubt.  NOTE: For activities or courses starting in 3 days, at time of payment NO cheques will be accepted.  Please pay by cash or credit.

Cancellation

1. To cancel out of a course please complete a Cancellation Form.

2. Cancellations Forms may be acquired online or from our office.

3. Cancellations are allowed up to 14 days before the start of a course.  There is a HK$50.00 handling fee for each course cancellation.  

4. Cancellations made by participants less than 14 days before a course starts or after a course has commenced are not refundable, transferable or creditable at whatever circumstances.

5. Substitutes are not accepted if attendees are unable to attend a course due to personal reasons.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Typhoons and Rainstroms

For courses not yet started and:

When Typhoon signal 8 is hoisted or Red/Black Rainstorm Warning in force.  All courses and activities are cancelled.  Courses as per normal schedule will resume 2 hours after the Hong Kong Observatory lowers the signal.

For courses that have started and:

When Red Rainstorm Warning is in force. All children's courses will be immediately cancelled.  Courses as per normal schedule will resume 2 hours after the Hong Kong Observatory lowers the signal.  All adult's courses will continue (except outdoor activities)

When Typoon signal 8 is hoisted or Black Rainstorm Warning is in force. All courses will be immediately cancelled.  Courses as per normal schedule will resume 2 hours after the Hong Kong Observatory lowers the signal.

COURSE ADMINISTRATION

Course Schedule

1. Unless otherwise stated, all courses are held at the HK-YWCA Headquarters, 1 MacDonnell Road, Central, Hong Kong

2. For courses held off-site, 'where to meet' details will be emailed to all attendees at least three days before the course starts.  If you have not been notified please call the office on 3476 1340

3. For courses held off-site, teachers will wait for late comers no more than 10 minutes before starting the class.  Please inform the office or the teacher directly if you're running late or unable to attend.

4. The ESMD will make every effort to ensure courses are run as scheduled (with the same teacher).  however, the ESMD reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any course if necessary.

NOTES: In the case of bad weather, make-up courses or sessions will be arranged.  Refunds or course credits will not be issued for those unable to attend the rescheduled make-up course or session.  This policy also applies to classes cancelled due to government recommendations.

Photography/Copyright

1. Videotaping, audiotaping, photography or any type of recording is prohibited during any course activity, except with the permission of the Department Head and/or teacher.

2. The ESMD reserves the right to use photos, videos and/or sound recordings of participants taken during courses conducted by the ESMD without limitation or reservation in future promotions and advertisements,  without compensation.

3. Course handouts and details discussed in class are for private use only.

Safety

1. The ESMD will take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe learning environment.  Course participation for both indoor and outdoor activities is at attendee's own risk.  The HK-YWCA will not be liable for any accident, loss or injury sustained during a class.  For all hikes please note difficulty rating provided.

2. Participants are responsible for informing the ESMD office and the teacher of any allergies or injuries before a course commences.

3. It is required that all parents or guardians of children less than 11 years remain on the premises while the children are participating in a course even if the adult is not required to be in the classroom.

NOTES: For any courses/excursions held outside Hong Kong, we strongly recommend all participants to take out travel insurances.  The HK-YWCA will not be liable or responsible for any accidents, loss or injury sustained in these courses.

Personal Data

1. Personal data of participants will only be used for purposes relating to enrollment, statistical analysis, emergency contact, and ancillary purposes of the English Speaking Members Department of the HK-YWCA.

2. Teachers are not to solicit cusiness directly from members and members are not obligated to provide teachers with their personal information.

3. Members are required to inform the ESMD office of any changes of personal information as soon as possible.

FACILITIES

Car Parking

1. Parking is available at the YWCA Headquarters on 1 MacDonnell road.  Access is via the first side street off MacDonnell road (it has no name).  Parking rates for members are: $10 an hour for the first 3 hour and $20 for each subsequent hour or part thereof. For non-members, it's $20 an hour.

2. To validate your parking ticket, either present your membership card to the parking attendant or recieve a stamp from the ESMD office.

Notice Board and Displays

1. The notice board and displays contain information on events around town, non-profit organisations, and good/services that can benefit our members.

2. Domestic helpers are encouraged to post information of their services and availability.

3. All notices should be given to ESMD office to be stamped and dated.

Fitness Room/Gym (6th floor)

1. Available for members only, the cost is HK$40 a session or $300 a month and is payable at the 1/F Membership Department.  The opening hours of the fitness room are: Monday to Saturday 9:00am-9:00pm.  Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:00am to 5:30pm

2. For the enjoyment of all members, the facilities are divided into session times.  Please enquire at the Membership Department, 1/F, YWCA Headquarters or call 3476 1330

Swimming Pool (6th Floor)

1. The 12-metre outdoor heated swimming pool is open to all 'Y' members.  The cost is HK$40 a session or $300 a month and is payable at the 1/F Membership Department.  The pool opening hours are: Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 8:30pm. Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:00am to 5:00pm.

2. Children under 3 years old are admitted free.

3. Children less than 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

4. The pool is not open for private swimming tuition.

5. For the enjoyment of all members the facilities are divided into session times. Please enquire at the Membership Department, 1/F, YWCA Headquarters or phone 3476 1330

Shower and Changing Facilities

1. Shower and changing facilities are located on the 6/F.  You can also use the toilets on the 3/F to change.

Baby Equipment Rental

1. The ESMD has a small range of baby equipment for rent.  Please call the office on 376 1340 for availability.

2. Reservations can be made in advance.  Rental fees are $20 a day for each item. -Play pen -Car Seats-High Chair-Stroller.  A HK$200 deposit is required on each item.

3. Members should inspect the item at the time of rental and inform ESMD staff if not in good order.  The HK-YWCA is not liable for any accident or injury occured during rental period.

Second-hand Books & Magazines

1. Second-hand books are available on the bookshelves on the 3/F for HK$10 a book.

2. Donations are greatly appreciated.  Drop offs are accepted at the ESMD office during opening hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 6:00pm.

Location

There are two public transportation options:

1. Catch the Public Light Bus number 1A next to the City hall in Central, it takes about 5 minutes and will drop you directly in front of the 'Y'.

2. Alternatively, take public bus number 12A, which departs from the Admiralty Bus Depot (opposite Pacific Place) located on Tamar Street (Lippo Centre side) and takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

3. Otherwise a taxi will cost about @20.00 from the Central area.