SOTY 2023/24: Third-place Sustainability Advocate upcycles appliances for those in need
Form Six student Lam Yau-hei promotes environmental awareness by giving old appliances a new life in low-income families’ homes.
Lam Yau-hei came in third place in the Sustainability Advocate category at the Student of the Year Awards. Photo: HandoutIn the heart of Sham Shui Po, a bustling district in Hong Kong known for its vibrant yet challenging living conditions, Form Six student Lam Yau-hei has embarked on an inspiring initiative.
By refurbishing and distributing 60 appliances to more than 30 families in need, Yau-hei is weaving sustainability into the fabric of his community, proving that even small efforts can lead to significant change.
“I partnered with two non-profit organisations in Hong Kong,” Yau-hei explained, detailing his collaboration with Household Electronics Reborn and Sowers Action.
The former collects discarded appliances, repairs them, and gives them a second life, while the latter supports low-income families in Sham Shui Po.
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“Since we, as students, do not have the professional skills for home visits, adult volunteers from Sowers Action guided us,” said the student from Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School.
This mentorship allowed student volunteers to make home visits and deliver appliances the families could use. “We conducted several home visits beforehand to understand their needs, and that is what led us to carry out this initiative.”
Reflecting on the sustainability aspect, Yau-hei said, “The appliances we deliver are second-hand items that might have been discarded when they broke or were no longer wanted. We’re not just giving them appliances; we’re promoting a sustainable mindset.”
Initially, Yau-hei was concerned about his fellow students’ commitment. “I worried whether they would see this as an opportunity to serve the community or if they would think it was too time-consuming,” he said.
However, he was pleasantly surprised by their enthusiasm. “Hearing their feedback convinced me that what I was doing was right. Every student involved gained something valuable from the experience.”
The educational impact of the project extends beyond learning to repair appliances. “The main purpose wasn’t just to learn skills. It was to show them that when an appliance breaks, it’s often a simple fix,” Yau-hei explained.
This realisation prompted his classmates to reflect on their habits and the importance of reducing waste.
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Yau-hei hopes to expand the project to other districts. Though he may step down from his leadership role, he is committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, saying, “I’ll share strategies and convey our core philosophy to guide them.”
Yau-hei’s initiative earned him third place in the Sustainability Advocate category at the Student of the Year Awards, a new category created last year to recognise students who show exceptional commitment to promoting sustainability. The prestigious awards were organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Looking ahead, Yau-hei is determined to continue his work. “With a year until graduation, I want to develop this further. I hope to approach it from an adult perspective and see how I can build on it.”
Yau-hei believes in the power of collective action: “To make it truly effective, we need to raise awareness about sustainability. It’s everyone’s responsibility,” he said.