THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improves the lives of Hong Kong ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
The Zubin Foundation 2024 Policy Recommendations to Mr John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong 9th September, 2024 Email: ceo@ceo.gov.hk
1. Introduction to The Zubin Foundation 1.1. The Zubin Foundation (IR: 91/12344) is a registered charity committed to improving the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities (EM) by providing opportunities and reducing suffering. 1.2. We conduct outreach projects by providing training, counselling, and other well-being services to our service users, including managing the Call Mira helpline for women and girls and our scholarships programme Ethnic minority children and their parents are one of our key stakeholders, in particular, ethnic minority children in emotional distress, ethnic minority children with special educational needs and their parents, parents who lack parenting skills, parents and children who need immediate safety support, organising elderly gatherings for over 100 EM elderlies per week etc. 1.3. The following recommendations are based on our observations on our engagement with over 10,000 individuals within the ethnic minority community.
2. Preamble 2.1. Hong Kong’s diverse community enriches Hong Kong's narrative, showcasing its multiculturalism and global reach. The ethnic minority population is a vibrant and dynamic force, bringing a wealth of energy and diversity to the city. 2.1.1. With a median age of 38.5, significantly younger than the general population, they inject a youthful spirit and fresh perspectives.1 2.1.2. Their multilingualism is an asset, enabling Hong Kong to connect with a wider global audience. The widespread use of English among ethnic minorities (86%)2. coupled with their increasing Cantonese proficiency and the unique dialects they bring, create a rich linguistic tapestry that adds to Hong Kong's cultural vibrancy. 2.1.3. The growing number of ethnic minority elders, which has increased by a staggering 160% from 9,910 in 2011 to 25,792 in 2021, demonstrates their deep-rooted connection to Hong Kong and their commitment to making it their home.
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Source: CENSUS (2023), 2021 Population Census – Thematic Report: Ethnic Minorities, p.7 (Paragraph 2.6) Source: CENSUS (2023), 2021 Population Census – Thematic Report: Ethnic Minorities, p.57 (Table 4.5)
The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344). 小彬紀念基金(香港註冊慈善機構IR 91/12344)。 Room F, 5/F., High Fashion Centre, 1 – 11 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong. 香港新界葵涌葵喜街1-11號達利國際中心5樓F室。 Tel電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website網址: www.zubinfoundation.org