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During the pandemic, many people have drifted apart but a group of volunteers are getting closer and closer to ethnic minority (EM) families. EM inevitably encounter difficulties in the process of integrating into Hong Kong society and mainstream schools, and it is much harder to face it alone. CARE@hkjc participated in the "Smooth Transition for Early Primary Students (STEPS) Programme". During the 7-month activity, volunteers and EM families gradually got to know each other. While helping them integrate into the mainstream society, volunteers also deepened their understanding of EM culture.

The "STEPS Programme" is funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and organised by the Lady MacLehose Centre. It aims to support Non-Chinese speaking early primary students to have a smooth transition from kindergarten to primary school education for a better integration into the local community eventually.

The programme started in September 2021 with a team of 33 volunteers participating, which included volunteers and their school-age children. Volunteers were divided into 15 groups, matching with families of EM students studying in Primary One to Primary Three. After an initial virtual meeting, volunteers and their matched families met twice a month in the following months. In addition to homework tutoring, the meetings also revolved around fun outdoor activities and games. Volunteers encouraged EM students to communicate in Cantonese in the process. One of the many activities was a Chinese drum workshop. Volunteers and EM families gathered at Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Recital Hall to learn Chinese drum music knowledge and try drumming themselves. It was an enjoyable night for all of them.

March 2022 marked the end of the programme. Although fifth wave of COVID hit in the middle of the programme, the two parties still met regularly online. After seven months and nearly ten meet ups, ethnic minority students gained greater confidence in expressing themselves in Cantonese. Local volunteers also treasured the opportunity to dig deeper into the culture of EM. Volunteers who brought their school age children to join said it was fortunate to be a part of this unique programme. The programme allowed their kids to step out of their comfort zone and broaden their horizons. It felt very special to be able to form new friendship under the pandemic.

While the programme is over, we believe that the participating EM families will not forget the time they shared and will overcome new challenges with their newfound confidence.