HONG KONG (SE): A cultural festival called Sunday Vibes, organised by Caritas Asian Migrant Workers Social Service Project [AMP] in Mongkok on January 28, showcased the cultures, talents, and contributions to the environment of foreign domestic helpers. The event featured performances, interactive games, booths, and exhibit boards created by over 20 groups.
Representatives from the Indonesian Consulate General, Philippine Consulate General, Equal Opportunities Commission, Environmental Protection Department, and District Council officiated the opening ceremony.
The Sunday Community of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Migrants performed a cultural dance portraying life in a Philippine fishing village while the Indonesian community sang a Cantonese song.
“The foreign domestic workers gave impressive support as they sang, danced and prepared the exhibition boards. I think many Hong Kong people are unaware that they have so many skills and talents because there are few opportunities or platforms for them to show their abilities,” Angel Wong Siu-wai, senior social work supervisor of Caritas Community Development, said.
She observed that the response to this first festival was good, as over 1,000 booth game cards were given away. Visitors included foreign domestic workers of different nationalities, locals as well as tourists.
Wong believes that foreign domestic workers are the gatekeepers of reducing domestic solid waste and play a critical role in “reducing waste at source” in households. Therefore, the event also aimed to educate about the municipal solid waste charging scheme.
The event also sought to help people understand that foreign domestic workers are concerned about the environment of Hong Kong. GO Green Domestic Worker Volunteers, a group set up by Caritas with the support of foreign domestic workers, showed visitors to how to earn gift points by separating waste into designated recycling bins through a smartphone application designed by the Environmental Protection Department.
Jully Alameda, a member, said the group recruits members through Facebook every month and they bring recyclables to government collection points together. “I am so happy that I can be a volunteer, and then I can help Mother Nature and the environment,” she said.
“I will do it not only here in Hong Kong but also when I return to my own country,” she continued.
