Lighting Hope with Song: Shirley and Friends Use Music to Support Global Girls’ Education

HONG KONG, January 3rd

On January 3, 2026, with the echoes of New Year’s bells still fresh, a warm and mission-driven charity concert took place at the Methodist International Church in Hong Kong. This event, titled “Shirley and Friends – A New Year Charity Concert,” was initiated by 15-year-old singer and Girls Rise Global founder Shirley, aiming to “empowering girls through music and love,” transforming artistic beauty into tangible support for girls’ growth worldwide.

Caption: Event flyer

Shirley is currently a Year 11 student at Wycombe Abbey School in the UK. Having lived in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, her multicultural background has shaped her broad worldview and deep empathy. She is not only a devoted lover of classical music, bel canto, and opera, but also a young changemaker with a heart for public service. Girls Rise Global, which she founded, is affiliated with the London community chapter of Girl Up, a United Nations nonprofit organization, and is dedicated to empowering young women from developing countries through education, leadership development, and community action.

Caption: Shirley is performing at the concert

“Music can make the world softer and plant seeds of kindness in people’s hearts,” Shirley shared about her motivation. “I hope to bring hope and strength to more women through song, helping them find confidence, independence, and leadership through education.” Therefore, all proceeds from this concert will be donated to Girl Up, directly supporting girls’ education programs worldwide, allowing more young women’s dreams to flourish through education.

On her artistic journey, Shirley has been deeply inspired and supported by her mentor, Li Yang, a Chinese lyric coloratura soprano and opera performer with the Tianjin Song and Dance Theatre. Li Yang also embraces the philosophy of combining music with philanthropy. At this concert, several like-minded musicians joined as guest performers, collectively practicing care through art.

Caption: Shirley and her mentor Li Yang

Let love and music walk hand in hand, and let education illuminate the future. This concert is not only an audio-visual feast but also a collective resonance about charity, growth, and hope, weaving together the warmest light of this New Year to illuminate the path forward for more women.

Caption:  Li Yang and the invited musicians

About Girls Rise Global

Girls Rise Global is founded by 15-year-old singer Shirley. It’s a London-based community organization under Girl Up, a United Nations Foundation initiative dedicated to advancing girls’ education, leadership, and empowerment in developing regions.

Website：https://www.girlriseglobal.org/

INSTAGRAM: girl_rise_global