In the bustling city of Hong Kong, Kiran Fatima’s multilingual abilities are not just a skill set but a lifeline for many. As a member of the Ethnic Minority (EM) Care Team at the LINK Centre, Fatima’s knowledge of Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, English, and Cantonese allows her to connect deeply with the city’s diverse communities.
The establishment of EM Care Teams was a key initiative announced in last year’s Policy Address. This July, eight teams were launched with a mission to assist at least 500 ethnic minority households annually through home visits and outreach activities.
Community Support
Fatima explains that the EM Care Teams leverage community networks and referrals to reach out to ethnic minority households. “We recently disseminated information on Typhoon Yagi to ensure that ethnic minorities were prepared,” she said.
The cultural and linguistic alignment between team members and the families they serve enhances their effectiveness. The teams provide crucial information on public services, welfare, and medical services, and facilitate referrals to appropriate government bodies.
Tailored Services
For Mohammad Bilal, a father of four, the support from the LINK Centre has been transformative. Struggling with school communications, Bilal found help in the EM Care Team, who assisted with translating homework and arranging play therapy for his daughter.
“My wife attended parenting workshops in English, tailored for ethnic minorities,” Bilal noted, expressing gratitude for the centre’s help in navigating bureaucratic processes like applying for the Mainland Travel Permits.
Outreach Efforts
Ann Tam, who oversees the LINK Centre, highlights the importance of cultural competency within the team. Led by a social worker and three programme workers, the team also engages ethnic minority volunteers, providing them with essential training.
Promotional efforts for the care team’s services include street booths and visits to community gathering spots. “We collaborate closely with District Offices and Care Teams,” Tam emphasized.
Expanding Services
With around 300,000 ethnic minority residents in Hong Kong, the Home Affairs Department is committed to supporting their integration. Assistant Director Wilson Kwong outlined various services provided by the eight support centres, including language classes and counselling.
The CHEER Centre in Kwun Tong offers instant telephone translation in eight languages, facilitating access to public services. Kwong announced plans to open two more centres by year-end, increasing the total to ten.
The department continues to enhance services for youth and newly arrived ethnic minorities, promoting racial harmony through district-level activities.
Through the concerted efforts of the EM Care Teams and support centres, Hong Kong is making strides toward a more inclusive society, where language and cultural barriers are being steadily dismantled.
