Issue No.2

2:Edisi No. 2

Yuen Long Town HallSupport Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities

Yuen Long Town HallPusat Layanan Dukungan Untuk

Etnis Minoritas

Sponsored by Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau

Who we areThe Yuen Long Town Hall Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities (SSCEM) has been sponsored by

Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau. The Chomolongma Multicultural Community Centre (CMCC) is a

subsidiary unit of SSCEM. We endeavour to provide a wide variety of services for the South Asian

Communities. It is our vision to develop their capacity to tackle their problems themselves through community

development strategies and intervention skills.

Integration is not a dream

Everyone plays different roles in society no matter what their ethnicity. Differences between people in ethnicity

should not affect opportunities in a society. Yet, it seems that ethnic minorities face difficulty trying to integrate

into Hong Kong society because of their ethnicity. So, what should we do? The story of Shafi encourages us to

go one step further.

“We should facilitate the integration of ethnic minority children. I hope the activities I organize will encourage

Hong Kong children of all ethnicities to understand and respect each other. Hong Kong is home –for us all,” said

Shafi

Shafi is a very supportive, approachable and experienced Pakistani member of staff at CMCC. Recently, he was

appointed as ambassador for ‘Vibrant People, Harmonious Community Activities’ by the Home Affairs

Department. He also actively participates in community activities. He is the chairperson of Mutual Aid

Committee and a member of the Fight Crime Committee as well as being one of the candidates in ‘Hong Kong

Loving Hearts Campaign 2010’ organized by ATV. His contribution to ethnic minorities is highly significant.

By sharing his story with you, we hope you will be inspired by his mission. Integration is not a dream, let’s act it

out together!

Staff members of CMCCStaff members of SSCEM

Joy of Fusion – Equal Opportunity in Hong KongCurrently, ethnic minorities constitute about 5% of Hong Kong’s population. Unfamiliarity with other people’s

customs, culture and language may give rise to prejudices and stereotypes against people of other racial groups.

At times, these prejudices lead to discrimination, harassment and vilification. Is there any ordinance to protect us

with equal opportunity?

What is The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC)?

EOC is a statutory body set up in 1996 to implement several anti-discrimination ordinances. The Race

Discrimination Ordinance (RDO), a newly enacted law which came into full operation in 2009, is also enforced

by the EOC. The Commission works towards the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital

status, pregnancy, disability, family status and race.

What is Race Discrimination Ordinance (RDO)?

In general terms, racial discrimination is about treating people less favorably on the basis of their race. There are

two forms of racial discrimination: direct and indirect. Direct discrimination occurs when a person is treated less

favourably than another under comparable circumstances because of his/her or

his/her near relative’s race, while indirect discrimination occurs when the same

requirement or condition (which may arise from rules, policies, practices,

criteria or procedures), which cannot be justified on non-racial grounds, is

applied equally on people of different races but which has an unfair effect on a

particular group because (i) only a small proportion of people from that racial

group can meet that requirement compared to the proportion of people of other

racial groups, and (ii) the condition is to the

detriment of the persons of that particular group

because they cannot meet it.

The RDO offers protection in education,

employment Provision of goods, facilities or

services, disposal or management of premises, eligibility to vote for and to

stand for election to public bodies and so on.

Reference: http://www.eoc.org.hk/eoc/GraphicsFolder/showcontent.aspx?content=Race%20Discrimination%20Ordinance%20And%20I

If you want to know more about Equal Opportunities Commission and Race Discrimination Ordinance, please visit http://www.eoc.org.hk/ or our website at http://www.sscem.org, the EOC booklet in different lauguages.

Program Photos

Let’s Get Some Fun – Young volunteers teach the kids how to make handcrafts.

Fun Fun Time –The Nepalese ladies and the

Chinese family members make stuffed dumplings

together!

Marine Detectives – Parents and children visit Hoi

Ha Wan Marine Park to explore the natural

environment.

Talk on Hong Kong Education System – A

representative from the Education Bureau conducts

a briefing session on the Hong Kong education

system for participants.

Education and Employment Information Day – Lam Woon Kwong (right 2, second row), the chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission, take photos with volunteers.

Multi Culture Show 2010 – Participants compete in the fashion show!

Love in the World – TVB sends a production crew for filming integration activities in Yuen Kong Kindergarten.

Education Team Service

Experiential Education: Service learning

There are several components of Service Learning such as community service with instruction and reflection,

civic responsibility and lifelong civic engagement (Bringle, R.G., Hatcher, J.A., Jones, S.G., 2010). The research

shows that service learning is of great significance. Students learn through participation in thoughtfully organized

service. Their learning experiences are enriched because the pre-service training is purposeful and specific to

community service. Our centre integrates meaningful community service activities into the Chinese Language

curriculum. By participating in these activities, ethnic minority participants not only gain more opportunities to

practice Cantonese with the locals, but also utilise their skills for civic responsibilities in Hong Kong.

The After-school Tutorial Class Programme

As far as we know, the majority of ethnic minority students’ performance in the curriculum areas of Chinese and

Mathematics is significantly lower than expected. These students experience a lot of confusions and difficulties

in finishing the Chinese and Mathematics homework. To meet these needs, our centre organises after-school

tutorial classes for primary and secondary school students in different districts in Hong Kong.

Students should be trained to

finish the homework efficiently

acquire basic mathematical skills and concepts

enhance their Chinese reading and writing skills

Tutors are requested to

provide effective remedial teaching and homework assistance

conduct Chinese and Mathematics teaching according to the needs of students

arouse students' interest in Mathematics by means of games & activities

prepare supplementary exercises if necessary

For further details of class time & availability, please contact Carol at 24799757 or by email at carol@sscem.org

Reference: Bringle, R.G., Hatcher, J.A., Jones, S.G., 2010, International Service Learning: Conceptual Frameworks and Research, Stylus Publishing, USA

Service Team for Ethnic Minority New Arrivals

Nice to meet you all! We are the service team for ethnic minority new arrivals in Yuen Long Town Hall Support

Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities. Although our centre is located in Yuen Long, we provide services in

different districts in Hong Kong. We would like to introduce our services to you.

We provide a variety of free programmes such as Computer Class, Hiking Group, Support Group, Cooking

Group, Music group and community activities, etc. Also, we would like to invite you not only to join our

activities, but also to co-operate with us to run progammes for all ethnic minorities.

Programmes Highlight

(1) Health Boom! Content: Provide blood pressure, weight, height and fat measurement.

Date: Once a month

Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm

Venue: In different areas such as Yuen Long, Central, Causeway Bay, Tsuen Wan, Tai Po, Sai Kung,

Shatin, etc.

(2) Computer Class (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced) Date: Commenced on 21st November 2010 (Sunday)

Time: 9:30am-11am (Beginner), 11:30am-1:00pm (Intermediate), 1:30pm-3:00pm (Beginner)

Venue: Yuen Long Town Hall Chomolongma Multicultural Community Centre (Ping Shan)

Remarks: Beginner Class students could proceed to Intermediate Class

Intermediate Class students could proceed to Advanced Class

Students who have 80% attendance rate will be awarded a certificate

(3) Explore Hong Kong Content: Introduce government offices, community facilities, transportations, brief history and

characteristics, town planning, etc

Date: Twice a month (Sunday)

Time: 9:30am-5:00pm

Venue: Shum Shui Po, Yau Ma Tei, Wan Chai, Tsuen Wan, Central, etc

For further details of class time & availability, please contact Michael at 24799757 or by email at michael@sscem.org

Employment Support ServiceMBTI® – 16 personality type test

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) is the world's most widely used personality indicator. It is based on

Carl Jung's theory of perception and judgment and classifies people into 16 broad personality types (Myers,

1998). It is an instrument for giving you a deep understanding of yourself and others. Explaining how differences

between people can be observed and described. It therefore gives you a very clear and obvious advice on building

better interpersonal relationships, building an effective team dynamic, career development and developing your

leadership style.

Program details

Date: Dec 2010- March 2011

Time: 2.5 hrs. for each participant

Venue: arranged by Tutor

Content: Fill out MBTI questionnaires, briefing session on Personality Types

Tutor: Tommy Tang (Qualified MBTI Assessor)

Fee: Free of charge

® MBTI, Myers-Briggs, Meyers Briggs, and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator are registered trademarks ortrademarks of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Trust in the United States and other countries.

Remark: 1.We conduct MBTI questionnaire in English. Applicants are required to have Form Five English level or equivalent. 2. Please book our service in advance.

Reference[1] Myers, I.B. , 1998, Introduction to Type, CPP Asia Pacific Pty Ltd., Australia

Newservice

For enquiry and bookingPlease contact our team at 2479 9757

MulticulturalMulticultural

Program Highlights

Name: Little Angel Date: January to March 2011 (every SAT)

Target: EM kids (aged 10-14)

Venue: Tin Heng Estate, Tin Shui Wai

Content: Provide volunteer training and

services for the needed participants

Name: War game training campDate: 19 March 2011 (SAT)

Target: 20 EM youths

Content: A half-day workshop about team

spirit and interpersonal

communication skills.

Name: Lunar new year BBQDate: 6 February 2011 (SAT)

Time: 1-5pm

Target: EM Families

Venue: CMCC

Content: Celebrate and learn more customs of

Lunar New Year

Name: TSW Cricket and hockey Date: Oct 2010 to March 2011 (every Sun)

Time: 2 – 4:30pm

Venue: Tin Shui Wai and Tsim Sha Tsui

Target: 18 EM youths

Content: Basic training of both sports and on

field practice. Provide training for

preparing matches

Please contact us at 2617 1369 and keep eyes on our website at www.sscem.org for updated information.

Harmony ServiceHarmony ServiceProgram Highlights

Name: Lama Talk and Empowerment Date: 26th Dec 2010 (SUN)

Time: 10am-8pm

Target: 45 EM people

Venue: CMCC

Content: To let participants learn Buddha’s doctrines

Name: Healthy food with choicesDate: 15th Dec., 2010 (WED)

Time: 2:30-4:30pm

Target: 30 EM people

Venue: SSCEM

Content: To let participants know how to choose

healthy food by delivering proper

knowledge to them. A briefing session,

video-screening and group discussion

will be conducted.Name: Christmas Games & Gift ExchangeDate: 30th Dec.,2010 (THU)

Time: 1:30-4:30pm

Target: 30 EM Teenagers

Venue: CMCC

Content: To bring participants and their family

together to get into the jolly and relaxed

mode for the holidays.

Name: Enjoy the NatureDate: 31th Dec.,2010 (FRI)

Time: 12:30-5:30pm

Target: 30 EM

Venue: Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden

Content: To provide participants with a happy

time in nature.

Name: Snooker Fun Day Date: 20th Feb 2011 (SUN)

Time: 1-4pm

Target: 20 ethnic minorities youth

Content: To raise ethnic minority teenagers’

interest of sports and to build up

one’s healthy habit.

Name: Stay Away from Drug (Colouring Competition)Date: Dec 2010

Time: 3:30pm to 4:30pm

Target: 100 all Races

Content: To raise ethnic minority children’s

awareness on the harmful effects of

drug abuse through colouring

competition.

Local winter flu season expected in January to MarchExperts recommend high risk persons to get flu vaccine now

Flu is a very infectious and acute disease of the respiratory tract. The main symptoms are fever, sore throat and cough. The disease is usually mild and self-limiting. However, flu can cause serious infection or even death in the weak and frail or elders.

Vaccination can protect high risk persons effectively. Hence, high risk persons should consult their doctors as soon as possible for having the vaccine before the local winter flu season in January to March.

Who need the vaccines - Elders - People with chronic illnesses - Young children - Pregnant women

Lower cost or free vaccines (Period: From November 2010 to March 2011)The Government launches two vaccination subsidy schemes for the following two targets to get the flu vaccines at lower costs by private doctors.

Elderly Vaccination Subsidy Scheme for Hong Kong residents who are 65 years or above

Childhood Influenza Vaccination Scheme for Hong Kong children who are 6 months to less than 6 years

Watch out for these logos to find out which private doctors provide the vaccines at a lower cost.

The list of doctors who have joined the schemes and their fees can be found on CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk).

In addition, eligible persons attending public clinics for some chronic illness or are receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) can have free vaccines under the Government Vaccination Programme without the need to join the subsidy schemes. For more information, please ask the staff of the public clinics that you are attending.

Enquiry number: 2125 2125CHP website www.chp.gov.hk

If you need interpretation service, please call the following hotlines –

(Information is provided by Department of Health)

Bahasa Indonesia, Tagalog and Thai 3755 6811

Hindi and Nepali 3755 6822

Punjabi and Urdu 3755 6833

Fun CornerHave you read it through fruitfully?

Let’s try and see your result

ACROSS2 What is the short name of “Support Service

Centre for Ethnic Minorities”? 4 How many languages in the cover page? 6 A word means “treating people less favorably

on the basis of their races”. 8 Our service team starts with a letter “E”.9 A symptom of flu. 10 What is the traditional Chinese calendar call?

DOWN1 What is the head quarter of SSCEM and

CMCC? 3 Which day will SSCEM and CMCC close? 5 Where is CMCC? 7 Which month does SSCEM start running?

MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUNOFF 9am-9pm

MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUNOFF 9am-6pm

STAMP

CONTACT US

Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities

ADD: Shop No. 52, Manhattan Plaza 23 Sai Ching Street, Yuen Long TEL: 2617 1369 FAX: 2617 1379 EMAIL: info@sscem.org WEBSITE: http://www.sscem.org

Chomolongma Multicultural Community Centre

ADD: Yung Yuen Road Wing Ning Tsuen Ping Shan, Yuen Long TEL: 2617 1369 FAX: 2617 1379 EMAIL: info@sscem.org WEBSITE: http://www.sscem.org

*Our centre will be closed during Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8, RED or BLACK Rainstorm Warning SignalSupervisor: Marshall Leung Quantities of printing: 800