Listening is a Gift

For over seven years, Ada has devoted herself to the neighbours at our Sheung Shui centre. She has not only held educational workshops, she has also organized community activities such as factory visits, house calls, and charity events.  All those things have helped her clients to assimilate into the neighbourhood.

Ada said, “I try to connect people on social welfare with the general public and help stop prejudice and misconceptions about them.” Because of  these activities, Ada has been able to secure jobs at other organizations for several  of our service users. We are thrilled that many in our community now recognize the value of our low-income community and the contribution they are able to make to our society.

As a counsellor, Ada listens attentively and chooses her words carefully. She aims to convey sympathy, acceptance and understanding. She lets them know that they are not facing their challenges alone, and they can overcome whatever challenges they may face.

She is aware of her clients’ sensitivity to judgment and discrimination, so she does not shy away from asking them tough questions when she’s assessing their situations.  She says, “Sometimes they are so overwhelmed with emotion, that their fears override rational thought.”

Ada and her colleagues have touched many lives, but she looks forward to serving many more of those who are in need.  Just as important is her desire to help break the social stigma against those who are unemployed.  She recently said,  “I wish the whole of our society knew that, just like you and me, people on social welfare have employable skills and want to positively contribute to society. Instead of judging a group of people based on mainstream media reports, simply listening to their stories will help change attitudes.”