Building community: how residents of a public housing estate in a remote part of Hong Kong bring people together

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Inspired by his positive experiences, Daniel decided in 2021 to give back to his community by joining his estate’s House Captain programme. Under this initiative, volunteers foster a sense of belonging in the area by organising events and building support networks.

Launched in 2018 and set to conclude in 2025, the programme is run by the HKSKH Tung Chung Integrated Services and funded by the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF). It aims to foster mutual support and resource sharing among residents.

Daniel has even convinced his friends to join the initiative at Ying Tung Estate, which now has about 10 teens among its 60 house captains.

While the government has introduced affordable options for childcare and education support elsewhere in Hong Kong, these services are not accessible in such a remote area.

To meet the needs of families in their estate, Daniel and other teen house captains have organised regular tutoring sessions, board game events teaching emotional regulation to children with special educational needs, and practice school admission interviews for families.

Daniel said he found joy in volunteering and developing a stronger relationship with the community: “I care more about my neighbourhood now.”

He shared: “Before, I never thought about helping others, but now, I have become more obliging. Some families who have benefited from our services recognise me and always greet me.”

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Over the years, CIIF has supported 136 House Captain programmes running in different public estates in the city, with more than 8,600 house captains in total.

Ray Choi Po-wing, a social worker from HKSKH Tung Chung Integrated Services, emphasised Tung Chung’s need for the House Captain programme, as the area has many new residential buildings under the government’s airport development project.

Over the past few decades, infrastructure has been constructed to cater to the airport and accommodate the tens of thousands who have moved there.

Despite these endeavours, Tung Chung is still quite detached from the urban city centre. After moving to public housing estates there, it can be challenging for residents to find social support and keep up with costly transport fees.

To help people adjust, Choi shared that his team “applied for funding to assist newcomers in adapting to the new environment, while also promoting integration and fostering bonds among the community”.

The social worker, who has been involved with youth and community development for over a decade, emphasised that living in Tung Chung was particularly difficult for the elderly, low-income households, and new arrivals from the mainland.

“We encourage kai fong to help each other ... such as accompanying the elderly to the hospital for check-ups, fixing electronic devices, and hosting carnivals for residents of all ages to enjoy,” he said.

These aims are also important for the more than 60 house captains in Tung Chung. While most of them are retired, Choi noted that the younger ones were crucial for the neighbourhood families.

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“They are young, energetic and creative so they can get along well with the children,” the social worker explained, adding that the house captains received training before running activities and joined debriefings after every event.

He recalled the Mid-Autumn Festival last September when there was a lantern festival at Tung Chung Promenade. Many children were eager to visit the event, but their parents were busy with work.

“So the young house captains took the initiative to bring the children to the festival. They held their hands, and guided them through the installations and quizzes, taking care of them as if they were their siblings. It was heart-warming to see,” he shared.

Many residents in Tung Chung say they have benefited from the House Captain programme.

A single mother surnamed Chan, who moved to the area in 2018, expressed deep gratitude for how the young house captains had helped her son, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

“It is difficult for him to stay focused ... but they [the young house captains] are very patient and friendly. They will encourage the children, bringing them out to different activities,” the 48-year-old said.

“My son enjoys attending their tutorial class and playing games with them, and I can have some me-time to relax from the parental pressure as a single mother.”

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The resident added: “The programme is beneficial; it’s very diverse and caters to our needs. The house captains provide us one-on-one support ... [Tung Chung] is like a big family now: people take care of each other; they will remind me of things and give me tips on everyday life.”

Choi noted that in the past, people were hesitant to join community events and less attentive to others. But more than five years after the start of the programme, people are more willing to lend a helping hand, from sharing daily necessities to looking after each other’s children.

The young house captains also benefited from taking part in the initiative, Choi noted.

“Their abilities, strengths and skills are recognised and appreciated by others, nurturing their sense of commitment to the community and helping them build a valuable network,” the social worker explained.

For Daniel, leading younger children not only enhanced his patience but also helped him discover his career goal.

As he prepares for his university entrance exams next month, he aspires to study physical education at university and become a coach. Even after graduating from secondary school, he intends to continue his duties as a house captain.

“If you find yourself with spare time, don’t waste it mindlessly scrolling through your phone,” the teenager emphasised.

“Instead, consider using that time to make a positive contribution to your community by harnessing your abilities to the fullest. This way, you can create a meaningful impact and help those in need around you.”