Supportive Services for Residents in Tin Shui Wai District to Seek Employment

Tin Shui Wai district was regarded as a community with high unemployment rate and severe family problems. The Hong Kong Council of Social Service invited 13 Caring Company representatives to a community visit to social service organizations in Tin Shui Wai on June 28. The participants would be able to increase their understanding of middle-aged people of how they rebuilt their self-esteem and self-enhancement through participating in community projects with the assistance of social service organisations.

The participants first visited the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions Education Foundation – Women’s Movement (a job retraining programme) in Tin Shui Wai. Tin Shui Wai was a remote area where there were a large number of women residents. They were lack of work skills and the employment opportunities. Facing the inadequate training resources, the CTU Education Foundation launched different supportive services and training programmes, namely, training courses on home helpers, personal care workers, security guards and computer and language usage, etc. Furthermore, the Foundation also mobilized the women to use their past working experiences to contribute to the community. Through organising and implementing different projects, the women could improve their capability and self-confidence and to be well-prepared for employment in the job market. The Foundation also liaised with the companies to explore job vacancies for the women. Caring Companies were welcome to offer any kind of employment and training opportunities for the women to develop their potentials.

Participants visited the City Farmers – Organic Farm Co-operative Project. This project was a new employment initiative of Caritas – Hong Kong in Tin Shui Wai district. With the support of the Government and the business sector, a organic Mushroom Growing Project was started in Dan Kwai Tsuen in Yuen Long. The project aimed at providing job opportunities for the unemployed, low-income and poor residents. The trainees saved the transport fees, learned the production skills and knowledge and increase capabilities. The visit enabled the participants to know more about the work status of the Tin Shui Wai residents. In return, the participants also offered different co-operation initiatives and advice on the operation mode. We look forward to more cross-sectoral joint venture between the business sector and the non-profit organisations to raise the competitiveness of the vulnerable groups.

Photo Album

Women living in Tin Shui Wai shared their experience on developing community project.

A group photo of the participants and the women living in Tin Shui Wai.

The City Farmers and their harvest.

The City Farmers shared their experience on operating the farm.