Starting a new life far from home in unfamiliar environment with a different language poses significant challenges, a reality well understood by ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.
To facilitate community integration and enhance access to public services, the Home Affairs Department funds non-profit organisations to operate support service centres for ethnic minorities. Service user Sheila Ramchandra Dhanawadi finds the activities and services both engaging and helpful.
Building bonds
Fifteen years ago, Sheila left Mumbai, India for Hong Kong. In 2021, a social worker connected her with the HOPE Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities, where she found a community of people with similar backgrounds.
Sheila hopes to expand her social circle while better integrating into the community. “The activities and services have made a positive difference in my life,” she said.
The HOPE Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities offers a diverse range of activities, including language classes and local festive celebrations, to familiarise the new residents with Hong Kong’s culture and lifestyle. The centre also organises volunteer opportunities, allowing participants to give back to the community while strengthening their sense of belonging in the city.
Among the centre’s most popular activities are its Cantonese classes, which teach practical, daily dialogue to help participants navigate everyday situations. In addition, the facility hosts a large-scale showcase annually to bring local residents and ethnic minorities together. The signature event features orienteering competitions alongside live music and dance performances.
Extending outreach
In April, the centre launched its Youth Network and Women’s Network. These initiatives offer tailored skills, vocational training and Mainland exchange tours.
The centre also hosts sports classes, such as swimming, designed specifically for ethnic minority women.
Enriching integration
Apart from language barriers, one of the biggest hurdles for many ethnic minorities is simply not knowing what community resources are out there. Finding support from people who truly understand their cultural background and circumstances remains a steep challenge.
To respond to the Policy Address’s call for stronger community integration, the HOPE Interpretation & Translation Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities opened its doors last December.
The facility provides interpretation and translation services in seven languages, namely Indonesian, Bengali, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi, Tagalog and Urdu – most of which are free of charge. Services include telephone and on-site interpretation. The centre also assists ethnic minority members with navigating daily essentials such as appointments, housing and public services.
Staff can also accompany service users to relevant public service agencies to give on-site support. Moreover, the centre translates daily news highlights, helping ethnic minority groups stay updated on local community developments.
Personalised support
“Those in need can raise any questions they encounter due to the language barriers, and the centre will provide appropriate support,” said HOPE Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities person-in-charge Amy Wong.
She highlighted that all interpreters have relevant interpretation experience and are proficient in both English and ethnic minority languages. The centre also conducts spot checks to maintain service quality.
The organisation hopes such services will ease daily life for ethnic minorities, giving them the confidence to truly make them feel at home in Hong Kong.
