Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong

Last year, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong (the Association) conducted a survey entitled “Perceptions of Racial Integration among Hong Kong Chinese and Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong”. Over 800 secondary school students were interviewed, both Hong Kong Chinese and from ethnic minority groups, and the results paint an interesting picture. Firstly, over 90% of the Hong Kong Chinese youths interviewed expressed a willingness to befriend individuals from ethnic minority groups. For those who said they were reluctant, their primary concerns were language communication barriers, infrequent contact intervals and limited knowledge. Meanwhile, nearly 30% of the respondents from ethnic minority groups expressed a need for mental health support services; but 70% were unfamiliar with existing support services and did not know how to seek help. As a result of this survey, the Association suggests promoting racial integration at schools and providing targeted psychological support services for individuals from ethnic minority groups.

Conducted between June and November last year, the survey consisted of two separate questionnaires administered to hundreds of secondary school students: 518 Hong Kong Chinese and 300 from ethnic minority groups. The Association’s research officer, Simon Ho, noted that the results can be interpreted to indicate that nearly 80% of the surveyed youth agreed that Hong Kong Chinese and ethnic minority individuals enjoy harmonious interactions; while 80% also agreed that Hong Kong is a racially inclusive society in general. A comparison of the two questionnaires shows that Hong Kong Chinese youth exhibit a greater willingness to interact with ethnic minority groups than anticipated. Meanwhile, when answers were compared between the ethnic minority respondents and the Hong Kong Chinese respondents, a greater number of Hong Kong Chinese acknowledged that ethnic minority groups in Hong Kong face discrimination or unfair treatment.

Most Hong Kong Chinese youths were also willing to have cross-ethnic friendships, citing reasons such as “emphasis on equality and human rights”, “care and respect”, and “to expand social circles”. At the same time, “language communication barriers”, “rare contact and limited knowledge” and “different religious customs and cultures” have prevented some of these youths from diversifying their friendships. In light of this information, the Association believes that future services should aim to tackle the challenges raised by cultural and linguistic differences in order to increase awareness and empathy throughout society.

The questionnaire distributed to youths from ethnic minority groups also assessed their awareness of and the need for mental health services in Hong Kong. The results showed that nearly 30% of those interviewed expressed a need for mental health support services. However, among those requiring such services, 70% claimed that they were unfamiliar with existing mental health support services in Hong Kong; and nearly 80% stated that they did not know how to seek help. Mr Lee Man-key, Convener of the Task Group on Developing Ethnic Minority Services in Hong Kong, highlighted that these findings reflect an urgent need for mental health services among individuals from ethnic minority groups. The majority of those in need are unaware of how to seek assistance or suitable support services. To improve their mental well-being, the government should provide targeted psychological health services for ethnic minority groups, such as establishing an Emotional Health and Counselling Centre tailored specifically to their needs. 

For more details on the survey results or to make any suggestions, please refer to the full press release. 

With the latest school semester coming to an end, our Tsuen Wan Centre will be organising a “Love For Nam Sang Wai” event this summer. Through a series of outdoor activities, young people will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the environment and sustainable development by immersing themselves in a comfortable natural setting. As an added bonus, being in nature will help the participants become more aware of and improve their mental well-being.

Date: 19 Aug (Sat)

Time: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm

Venue: Nam Sang Wai

Fee: $100

Target: Teenagers aged 12 to 24

Quota: 6

Application and enquires: 2413 3111 (Flora)

To encourage children to get outside, enjoy the sunshine and make the most of their summer holidays, the Association’s Youth Leadership & Holistic Development Centre will be hosting the “Running Kid Summer Adventure 2023”. This three-day, two-night summer camp at the Y's Men – YMCA Wong Yi Chau Youth Camp will help the participants learn about community living, gain new life skills, improve their physical strength, and boost their self-confidence.

Date: 10 – 12 Aug (Thu – Sat)

Venue: Y's Men - YMCA Wong Yi Chau Youth Camp

Fee: $2000 (including camp fee, camp t-shirt, meals, transportation and administrative charge)

Target: Children aged 8 to 10

Quota: 27

Deadline of application: 27 Jul

Application and enquires: 2642 9493 (Idy)

Of course the summer holiday period is a time for kids to relax, but it’s also a great chance for them to develop new interests and fulfil their potential. This summer, the Association’s Kowloon Centre is organising the “Funky Dance for Kids” course to cultivate children’s interest in dancing. Upbeat music will get kids moving and grooving to rhythms, enhancing their physical coordination and fostering self-confidence.

Date: 18 Jul – 22 Aug (every Tue)

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 pm (for 6-to-8 year-olds), 3:00 – 4:00 (for 9-to-12-year-olds)

Venue: Dance Studio, 2/F, Kowloon Centre

Fee: $660 per 6 sessions

Quota: 15 per class (while stock lasts)

Application and enquires: 2783 3636 (Mr Chung)