A Catholic pastoral center in Hong Kong is helping grassroots and ethnic minority workers understand their labor rights, seek better working conditions, and gain recognition for their cultural and artistic contributions.
The Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Workers in Kowloon highlighted its work during an open day that brought together local workers, members of the Nepali community, and parishioners, according to a report by Sunday Examiner, the official news service of the Church in Hong Kong.
The gathering featured storytelling, craft workshops, and cultural exchanges focused on the lives and challenges of workers in the cleaning and security sectors.
The event coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Diocese of Hong Kong and the 35th anniversary of the Hong Kong Catholic Commission for Labor Affairs.
Father Paul Kam Po-wai, vicar general of the diocese, encouraged Catholics to recognize the often unseen contributions of people who clean, maintain, and care for the community.
The pastoral center, located beside St. Teresa’s Church, works with the parish’s Social Concern Group to raise awareness of the conditions faced by grassroots workers.
Local workers shared their experiences in the cleaning and security sectors and demonstrated how to make natural mosquito repellents. Members of the Nepali community served traditional South Asian snacks and masala tea.
An exhibition also featured paintings and hand-painted drink coasters created by Nepali cleaning workers.
Among the artists was Dhakal, who served in the Nepali Army for 18 years before moving to Hong Kong. He has worked as a cleaner for the past two and a half years.
“From soldier to worker, I carry both identities with dignity. The most important thing is providing for my family and living with respect,” he said.
The center has served Hong Kong’s ethnic minority communities since 2004.
Its specialized outreach unit moved last year to Jordan Road, near three refuse collection points, to make its services more accessible to sanitation workers.
The facility opens weekly and provides South Asian workers with a place to rest, study, and attend Cantonese classes conducted by Church volunteers.
Elizabeth But Ngan-ping, the center’s supervisor, said the facility helps local and ethnic minority workers build friendships and learn about their employment rights.
Nearly 20 workers volunteered during the open day, which But said reflected their growing confidence and willingness to serve others.
The center also assists workers in addressing workplace concerns, including calls for improved rest facilities.
“By making use of the Church’s resources to improve their working conditions, workers have come to realise that they have the ability to change their own situations,” But said.
The center hopes to organize more cultural activities to help the wider community recognize the work, creativity, and cultural heritage of grassroots and ethnic minority workers.
