V Sparkle

Empowering Communities through Vocational Excellence


The VTC Community Engagement Unit (CEU) hosted the Recognition Ceremony for the VTC Community Engagement Reward Scheme – CommunityQuest and the Launching Ceremony for the VCare Ambassador Scheme on 26 October at the Great Lawn of West Kowloon Cultural District. Over 200 distinguished guests, teachers, students, and community partners, gathered to celebrate the achievements of winning teams from various VTC member institutions and disciplines in applying vocational and professional education and training (VPET) skills to address real-world social challenges. Special thanks were extended to the many community partners for their unwavering support.


On the same day, the CEU and the Student Development Discipline jointly launched the brand-new VCare Ambassador Scheme. The initiative aims to encourage students to participate in activities and trainings that enhance mental health for individuals, peers, and the wider community. At the ceremony, the mascot designed by students from the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT), made its debut in four different appearances, symbolising the importance of maintaining mental health even when facing challenges and obstacles.


The event was officiated by Ms. Alvina CHAU, Executive Director of Hong Kong PHAB Association; Mr Edmond YIU, Deputy Executive Director (Culture, Sports & Arts Division) of the Hong Kong Playground Association; Mr Tony TAI, VTC Chairman; Mr Donald TONG, Executive Director; Ms Gladys YAM, Deputy Executive Director; and Ms Jenny KO, Academic Director of the Student Development Discipline. Representatives of various community partners, alongside teachers and students, were also present to witness the joyous occasion.


During the recognition ceremony, highlights from over 10 award-winning community projects were showcased, demonstrating how young people have applied their knowledge and skills to address key themes including youth development, elderly and gerontechnology, sustainability, and inclusivity. These projects spanned a wide range of fields, including information technology, financial literacy, family education, environmental protection, nutrition, catering, etc., creating positive changes within our communities. (For the full list of awardees, please click here.)


In the sharing session, CHIU Chi-hin, a graduate of the Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), represented the team behind the "Barrier-free Fitting Room Design" project. He shared how the team visited various fitting rooms to gather data and carefully considered the needs of people with disabilities and wheelchair users. Their research included studying the height of hooks on walls and installing safety sensors. Chiu expressed that the opportunity to apply what he had learned to give back to the community was an invaluable experience.


Mr Kenny SO, a person with disabilities, highlighted the challenges he faced when using fitting rooms in local shops, which often lack sufficient space and handles, making it difficult for him to maintain balance and leaving him prone to falling. Feeling embarrassed, he hesitated to try on clothes and instead opted to buy multiple pieces of the same style at once. He thanked the students for their thoughtful design that addressed the needs of people with disabilities and wheelchair users. He also expressed gratitude to the corporate brands for adopting the barrier-free fitting room design, which has allowed him to rediscover the joy of shopping and trying on clothes.


The CEU has also published a booklet documenting the collaborative journey between VTC students, teachers, and community partners. Click here to view the booklet (Chinese only). Applications for the new academic year's Community Engagement Reward Scheme are now open. We look forward to seeing more students unleash their creativity and VPET skills while working hand in hand with community partners to give back to society.



[Photo 1] Ms. Alvina CHAU, Executive Director of Hong Kong PHAB Association (second from right); Mr Edmond YIU, Deputy Executive Director (Culture, Sports & Arts Division) of the Hong Kong Playground Association (second from left); Mr Tony TAI, VTC Chairman (third from right); Mr Donald TONG, Executive Director (third from left); Ms Gladys YAM, Deputy Executive Director (first from right); and Ms Jenny KO, Academic Director of the Student Development Discipline (first from left) officiate the event.

[Photo 2] VCare pins and cloud-shaped plush toys were distributed during the ceremony. The mascot designed by students from the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT) represents the VCare Ambassador Scheme and encourages students to participate in various activities and trainings to promote mental health.

[Photo 3] Teachers and students from the Higher Diploma in Building Studies, the Higher Diploma in Community Service Planning and Navigation, and representatives from the Language Discipline at IVE, along with Ms Alice MAK, Division Head of Senior Citizen Service (East Kowloon) of Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service (fourth from left), receive Community Engagement Gold Award for their project “Choi Hung Dreams, Memory Streams”.

[Photo 4] Teachers and students from the Higher Diploma in Applied Nutritional Studies at IVE, Ms Avina LAM, Manager (Social & Elderly Wellness) of the Caring Engaging Smart of the Hong Kong Housing Society (second from left), and two participants receive the Most Valuable Extension Award for their project “Nutritional Cooking Workshop for Elderly to Prevent Osteoporosis.”

[Photo 5] Teachers and students from the Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety at IVE, the Diploma of Vocational Baccalaureate (Design) and the Diploma of Vocational Baccalaureate (Sport) at Youth College (International), and the Higher Diploma in Culinary Arts and Diploma in Chinese Cuisine at the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), along with Mr CHAN Siu-kay, Head of Social Services Division of Sik Sik Yuen (sixth from left), receive the YESi Elderly and Gerontechnology Award for their project “Soft Meal Buddha Jumps Over the Wall Birthday Banquet.”

[Photo 6] Mr Kenny SO, a person with disabilities (center); CHIU Chi-hin, a graduate of the Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies at IVE (right); and Ms Alvina CHAU, Executive Director of the Hong Kong PHAB Association (left), share how the collaboration between the Engineering Discipline at IVE, the Hong Kong PHAB Association, and local lingerie brand Her own words enhanced the shopping experience for people with disabilities and wheelchair users through the “Barrier-free Fitting Room” initiative.

[Photo 7] The VTC Community Engagement Reward Scheme successfully connects more young people to showcase their VPET skills and spark positive change in the community. 

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