Building A Better Hong Kong

Even though I am Chinese, the Malaysian education system did not encourage learning to read and write the language when I was growing up. Now the demands of running an agency like Christian Action have left me very little time for language study, so I have a deep level of respect for those who really strive to learn the language. Maswa is one of those people.

Fourteen years ago Maswa Kaji Man came to Hong Kong from Nepal. He knew learning the local language would help him to communicate, and so understand Chinese culture and religion. He knew it would be a key factor to integrating with the local community. And of course, he knew it would be the key to success, but he could not afford the high fees for classes.

Then Maswa heard about Christian Action’s Integrated Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities. He immediately enrolled in the Cantonese classes, sponsored by the Home Affairs Bureau. Maswa is extremely grateful to his first Chinese teacher, Thomas Tsang, who seemed to invest his heart and soul in teaching Maswa and his classmates.

Towards the end of 2012, Christian Action started offering the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Chinese Language. Knowing that his keen pupil would jump at the chance to read and write Chinese, Thomas Tsang invited Maswa to join the class! Despite the fact that Maswa has a full time job, and a family to care for, he didn’t hesitate to take on this daunting task!

Maswa says, "I feel that as I learn to read and write Chinese, my spoken Chinese improves. It has helped me not only with my job in the security industry, but also with every aspect of daily life. I have integrated much better with my community now!"

Maswa and his classmates are certainly helping us build a better Hong Kong!