V Sparkle

VPET Knowledge Empowers: Lighting Up City's Margins – Feb Issue

Embracing Sustainability by Producing Accessories with People with Disabilities 

How can we make good use of vocational and professional education and training (VPET) knowledge to enhance the sustainable development of materials and human resources? We partnered with the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi)’s Department of Design and Architecture, St. James' Settlement - Jockey Club Upcycling Centre (UPCC), New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Christian Family Service Centre's sheltered workshops. Together, we transformed local waste materials into exquisite accessories and home products. For example, we upgraded discarded wooden wine crates into handbags and created fine products using recycled wallpapers. This collaboration allowed students to showcase their material application and design skills while involving members from sheltered workshops in the production process.

One of the students participating in the activity Cheung expressed how the collaboration paved the way for her entry into the fashion industry. She said, "The UPCC team has provided practical advice on using upcycled materials, which has inspired me in various processes such as design, pattern-making, and sewing. Collaborating with members from the sheltered workshops has also been enriching. When I teach them how to create accessories, their focus and dedication impress me a lot. I believe our finished products will be of high quality."

Under the guidance of teachers from the Department of Design and Architecture at THEi, a total of ten students have been participating in this collaboration with their exceptional design works. The finished products are expected to be showcased at a large-scale exhibition in June of this year.

Developing Learning Tools for Underprivileged Students and Understanding their Needs

In order to raise the efficiency and quality of learning for students from underprivileged backgrounds, we developed learning tools for these children in collaboration with the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service and industry partners. We aimed at making the most of their home spaces while improving their  learning efficiency.

Before developing the tools, students paid a visit to several families living in subdivided housing to understand genuine needs from the users. One of the participating students Luk expressed, "This visit is very impactful for us. While we are collecting data, taking measurements, and understanding the residents' actual needs, we also realise from the visit that we are fortunate. It reminds us to care more about people from different social backgrounds."

This collaboration has received support from Lu Plaza and LU's Foundation. The project is expected to be completed in the latter half of this year and distributed to families in need.

Designing Board Games for Youth Mental Health Wellness

With the support of the Design Discipline, we have collaborated with the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and the Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service to create a series of board games aimed at promoting mental health wellness among the younger generation. Students and teachers from the Diploma of Foundation Studies programme recently met with YWCA staff to exchange ideas about the content and design of the board games. The project is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of this year.

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