18/10/08 Minute

18/10/08 Minute of CDF promotion team (3rd meeting)

Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm
Venue: Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Tung Chung Integrated Services
Presents: Heyman, Chester, Yiiyo
Activity:An interview with 2 one-parent families

Answers from the interview:
( family A and family B )

1. How many years have you lived in Tung Chung?
A: 6 years
B: --

2. Have you been living in Tung Chung since you get to Hong Kong?
A: I lived in Tsing Yi before.
B: I lived in outer Island. At least there are places to play and study.

3. Why do you choose to live in Tung Chung?
A: Take less time in lining up to have a public housing
B: Same as above

4. How do you feel about Tung Chung? Do you like it? Why?
A: Not really.
- There are not enough medical (clinic) and entertaining facilities (sports ground and playground) for my daughter. We have to spend a long time queuing for a basketball court.
- It’s too expensive to buy food for meals

B: Not really.
- The sports grounds are either locked or booking fee is required.

5. By comparing with others district, what is the advantage of living in Tung Chung?
A: There is Sheng Kung Hui. It gives my family and me a sense of safety. It can really help the needy and let us leave voice message when necessary.
B: Same as above

6. What can represent Tung Chung? eg. Ngong Ping 360
A: Sheng Kung Hui
B: Sheng Kung Hui

7. Where do you go during holidays?
A: Go to Sheng Kung Hui. I seldom take the children go out of Tung Chung because the fee is too expensive. For example getting to Ocean Park. It requires nearly $1000 for 4 tickets. How can I afford it?
B: Join Sheng Kung Hui’s activities for free.

8. What is your family activity?
A: Go to Sheng Kung Hui. There are not much activities in Tung Chung. No parks
B: Go to Sheng Kung Hui or ask my children to help on household duties.

9. (Children) What is your dream?
A: Be a writer (her elder sister want to be a fashion designer, or photographer)
B: Be a researcher, maybe a social worker

10. What are the obstacles or difficulties that you are facing now?
A: Financial pressure.
- As my children grow up, the needs of facilities will increase. They cannot join any courses, tutorial class and buy other resources.
- My child love writing. She wants to buy reference books. I give $100 to her.
- School held a $500 camp. Students are required to bring 8 tees, 8 shorts and trousers, and 3 pairs of shoes. How can my children get so much things?

B: Same here.
- Many extra-curricular activities have to pay. If not, marks will be deducted. So that it force us to pay for it. Although the tuition fee is free, it needs money to buy equipments!

11. Would you like someone to guide your child in the future?
A: Sure. My children don’t like getting out. I think she will need some social activities

B: Yes. My children seldom get to gatherings. There is a lack of social activity for her. We may not have much time to play or talk to our children. And sometimes there will be a gap between us. It is good to have someone my child can talk to. I think they can learn and even relieve themselves through this project.

12. Who are they? Teacher, friends or parents?
A: (no special preferences)
B: (no special preferences)

13. What are the obstacles if you are asked to save $200 per month?
A: It costs at east $20 for a meal already. My children are saving money for me. I give them $100 a week for a form 4 student. Also, I have 2 children. That means I have to save $400 per month! Our income is only $4000, in addition to other expenses. That takes a large proportion of my income!

B: My child goes to school in Wan Chai. I cannot make lunch for her so that she has to buy lunch box at school. In addition to the transport cost, she spends $200/week.

14. Will your children join this project?
A: Yes, sure. I have been waiting for 4 years!
B: Yes. I will try my best to save money for my girl’s own good.

Points to note:
1. Cannot go to work in weekends – they have to look after their children on their own
2. Dining at McDonald’s is the award/celebration for the children
3. They both want to upgrade the computer at home
4. Sheng Kung Hui helps to find second-hand furniture and electronics for them
5. Sheng Kung Hui holds many activities for families free of charge.

Conclusion:
1. Sheng Kung Hui really takes a important role to Tung Chung’s families
2. The main obstacle for them is the financial problem which the donor in this project can really help