YMCA social enterprise YM Fleur partners with Urban Renewal Authority on
“The Joy of Flora” community art project to integrate art into community life
Supported by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA)’s “Arts and Cultural Partnership Programme in Old Urban Districts” initiative, YM Fleur ran the project from December 2024 to August 2025. “The Joy of Flora” used floristry workshops to connect with the community, encouraging grassroots women to participate in community activities and promoting the use of locally sourced flowers to contribute to sustainable development.
The project transformed the Flower Market in Mong Kok into a creative space, demonstrating how art can be integrated into the community and everyday life. YM Fleur used dried flowers, generously donated by various flower shops within the market, to teach residents how to create festive wreaths, pressed flower lamps, and other floral crafts. Through hands-on creation, participants not only appreciated the unique charm of their community but also rediscovered their own roles and value within society, embodying the importance of community collaboration and connection.
Between last Christmas and this August, YM Fleur held six workshops led by grassroots women employed by the social enterprise. This provided them with valuable skills and a confidence boost, enabling them to share their talents. The project proved a resounding success, engaging 10 local organisations, community groups, and businesses.
A closing ceremony was held this month at 618 Shanghai Street, attended by Ms. Ingrid Wong, Assistant District Officer (Yau Tsim Mong), and Ms. Helen Chan, General Manager of Community Development at the URA. Ms. Chan expressed her hope that the project would forge stronger links between the flower market and the community. She also highlighted how the redevelopment of Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road will create a more thriving business environment for flower sellers, improve the shopping experience, and boost the local economy. Dr. Jim Hui, our Acting Deputy General Secretary, remarked, “This project has empowered local women to showcase their talents, bringing art to the heart of the flower market. It demonstrates the valuable contributions of diverse communities and promotes positive values, inspiring us all to work towards a sustainable future.”
A “The Joy of Flora” exhibition, also at 618 Shanghai Street, displayed the residents’ handcrafted pressed flower lamps, sharing the project’s artistic achievements and encouraging a collective commitment to sustainability.
YMCA co-organises the Social Prescribing Symposium 2025.
We have been actively promoting “social prescribing” in recent years to raise awareness and understanding of this innovative approach to health. Following the Social Prescribing Day 2025 held in March, we joined forces with several organisations to host the Social Prescribing Symposium 2025 in September, exploring the future possibilities of social prescribing in Hong Kong. The symposium featured keynote presentations by two international experts, sharing global insights, along with discussions with local representatives to explore the roles of various stakeholders and how the public and social service sector can collaborate to advance local practice.
Date: Tuesday, 16th September 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: 25/F, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Building, 21 Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Language: Cantonese and English
Cost: Free (limited spaces available; registration will close when full)
Register now: https://bit.ly/4lNfm89
Po Shek Wu Elderly Neighbourhood Centre Wins "Best District Activity"
Po Shek Wu Neighbourhood Elderly Centre’s “Opportunities for the Elderly Project – My Memories Are Yours” has won the prestigious “District Best Activity” award for the Tai Po and North District. The programme will now compete for the “Hong Kong Best Activity” award at the 2025 Opportunities for the Elderly Project Award Presentation Ceremony on 5 November 2025.
Running from July 2024 to January 2025, the project engaged 221 participants and 45 volunteers (including elderly residents, university students, and secondary school students) across six different activities, connecting people of all ages. Focused on cultural exchange across generations, interactive competitions, and volunteer service, the project created a platform for intergenerational communication, fostering mutual appreciation and positive interaction.
The project empowered elderly participants to not only showcase their talents but also to act as a bridge within the community, facilitating interaction between university students, secondary school students, children, and other elderly residents, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and social harmony, while inspiring participants to explore their potential and embrace the value of active ageing.
The Cityview and YMCA College of Careers co-host hospitality experience programme
The Cityview remains strongly committed to corporate social responsibility, with a particular focus on career planning and workplace development for young people. Our YMCA College of Careers was recently selected by the Education Bureau’s Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF) as the lead organiser of the “Get To Know Catering industry with QF：Catering QF InFUNity” programme for the 2024/25 academic year, offering a series of hospitality experience activities for secondary school students in Hong Kong.
The Cityview was delighted to participate, hosting several sessions where students toured the hostel’s catering facilities and received insights from industry professionals about the necessary skills and knowledge. The students gained a deeper understanding of the HKQF within the catering industry and its latest trends. Through hands-on experience and interactive exchanges, students not only learned about industry operations but also had the opportunity to consider their own interests and career paths, laying the foundation for their future development.
We hope that these activities will inspire young people to explore diverse career opportunities and develop clear goals and direction in their learning journey, leading them towards fulfilling and meaningful futures.
SEN youths shine in robotics programme
The inaugural “Jockey Club CLAP–TECH Pathway: Star” – “Shopping Mall Robot Service Ambassador Course” , organised by the YMCA College of Careers and initiated and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, held its awards ceremony and fun day on 26 July 2025 at the Hong Kong Playground Association I+Plus Development and Exchange Centre in Mong Kok. Designed for young people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, the programme equipped participants with skills in robotics, customer service, and career planning, helping them explore career paths, boost their confidence, and unlock their potential.
Several distinguished guests from the education and business sectors officiated at the ceremony, including Dr. Thomas Man, our Chief Education Officer; Dr. Shirley Hui, Project Director; Mr. Noel Sun and Ms. Renita Kong, Programme Managers; Ms. Leung Wun Kam, Principal of The C.C.C. Mongkok Church Kai Oi School; Mr. Brian Cheng, CEO of Generation Hong Kong, and Ms. Maple Wong, Project Manager; and Ms. Glendy Choi, Vice President of the Hong Kong Young Industrialists Council, who joined together to celebrate the achievements of the participants.
At the awards ceremony, Dr. Man emphasised that the value of education lies in enabling every student to find their own path to success. He highlighted that the programme not only imparted practical skills but also focused on developing confidence and professional qualities. Mr. Cheng added, “We collaborate with industry partners to create practice-oriented job opportunities for SEN youths, while also helping businesses address talent shortages.”
Mr. Eric Tsang, Alumni of Manual Quality Assurance Testing (Employability Booster Program) shared, “I not only gained new skills but also regained my confidence, overcame communication barriers, and found a new direction in life.” His supervisor during the work placement, Mr. Chan Ting Hong, Technical Director of GF Lab, praised Tsang’s meticulousness and reliability, commending his contribution to teamwork.
“Innopreneur Experience Journey” broadens career horizons
In collaboration with the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI) and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), our Tsuen Wan Centre organised the “Innopreneur Experience Journey” this summer, attracting 13 secondary school students from Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School and AD&FD Leung Sing Tak College to participate in a three-day work experience programme designed to enhance their understanding of the workplace and self-awareness, helping them set clearer goals for the future.
The opening ceremony took place on 18 July at Sino Inno Lab in Yuen Long, officiated by Dr. Steve Chuang, Chairman of FHKI; Dr. Carmen Fung, Director of Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation; and Ms. Abby Li, Coordinating Secretary of YMCA. Together, they launched the students on their journey of innovation and discovery. The month-long programme included visits to various companies and work placements at 19 FHKI member companies and HKSTP partner companies, providing students with first-hand experience of the work environment and culture in the innovation and technology sector.
The work placements covered communication skills, teamwork, IT application, and career planning, helping students build workplace confidence and a sense of responsibility. Outstanding students will have the opportunity to compete for the “Star Student Award” at the closing ceremony in late August, with prizes worth nearly HK$8,000.
Our commitment to the principles of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) since 2019 reflects the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in our organisation’s approach to development and the YMCA 2030 Vision for sustainable development in Hong Kong. Apart from publishing the ESG Impact Report, YMCA also endeavours to integrate ESG concepts into our daily operations. This column is dedicated to sharing with our members our ESG initiatives regularly.
YMCA Celebrates National Ecology Day 2025 with Eco Activities
Y's Men - YMCA Wong Yi Chau Youth Camp organised an ecological guided tour
We celebrated National Ecology Day 2025 in August with a month-long focus on environmental education and conservation across its campsites, including cross-border collaborations within the Greater Bay Area to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development.
Our Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village partnered with the Windsurfing Association of Hong Kong, China to host an event at Wu Kai Sha Beach, promoting the principles of National Ecology Day to both campers and the public. Activities included an air plant terrarium workshop and a session on food waste reduction, encouraging participants to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily lives. The event aimed to raise environmental awareness and promote harmony with nature. In parallel, Y’s Men – YMCA Wong Yi Chau Youth Camp organised an ecological guided tour, giving campers an in-depth look at the island’s natural environment and biodiversity, and teaching them practical ways to protect these resources.
YMCA campsite representatives also actively participated in ecological exchanges in the Greater Bay Area. On 14 August, they attended a National Ecology Day event in Nansha and were presented with the “Civilised Ecological Cooperation Base” award, recognising our commitment to promoting ecological awareness.
YMCA representatives travelled to Macao for the "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area National Ecology Day - Macao Tour"
On 16 August, representatives travelled to Macao for the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area National Ecology Day – Macao Tour”. Joining representatives from all three regions, they participated in activities focused on mosquito control, beach cleaning, and carbon reduction, fostering collaboration on environmental education and laying the groundwork for future YMCA green initiatives.
As city dwellers who often work overtime and frequently perform repetitive motions, we are more susceptible to joint pain or sports injuries that can affect our quality of life. The Association’s Health Care Professions Department is launching a regular monthly column and publishing short articles about self-care. Topics covered will include arthritis, joint pain and self-healing. For more detailed health-related information, please visit our website: hcp.ymca.org.hk or call 2783 3616for inquiries.
“An Often Overlooked Muscle in Lower Limb Training — The Gluteus Medius”
Training the gluteus medius can significantly reduce the risk of knee injuries. During dynamic activities involving single-leg stance such as climbing stairs, descending stairs or jumping, the gluteus medius actively contracts to stabilise the pelvis and lower limbs. When this muscle is weak, it can lead to poor lower limb alignment, including dynamic knee valgus (inward collapse of the knee), internal rotation of the femur, and pelvic drop on the opposite side. These abnormal movement patterns place greater stress on the knee joint and increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
The following exercise is designed to strengthen the gluteus medius:
Strengthening exercise for gluteus medius (Sidelying-hip abduction):
- Lie on your side, slowly lift your leg upward with your knee straight and keep the gluteus medius activated throughout the movement.
- Hold the position for 2 to 3 seconds, then slowly lower it down.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times per set, for a total of 3 sets.
Reference:
Rinaldi, V. G., Prill, R., Jahnke, S., Zaffagnini, S., & Becker, R. (2022). The influence of gluteal muscle strength deficits on dynamic knee valgus: A scoping review. Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics, 9(1), 81.
＊Some of the programmes are subsidised by the Social Welfare Department
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