PolyU launches District Care Teams (Sai Kung) training programme to enhance service skills and quality

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Department of Applied Social Sciences (APSS) and Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), in collaboration with the District Services and Community Care Development Fund (Sai Kung) Company Ltd, have organised a professional training programme for the District Care Teams (Sai Kung). Officially commencing last Saturday, the programme employs diverse and flexible teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, case studies, group activities and visits. It aims to help participants systematically ground their theoretical knowledge and translate it into practical applications to enhance the quality of life, happiness and sense of security within the community. The programme also contributes to policy research at PReCIT.

On the first day, the programme comprised two sessions covering the themes of “Social Welfare, Technology and Innovation, as well as Care Teams” and “Basic Administrative Skills”. The sessions were led by Prof. Eric CHUI, Head of APSS and Co-Director of PReCIT, and Prof. MUI Kwok Wai Horace, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering. Future courses will cover topics including diverse communities, communication skills, law, mental management, effective community development skills, leadership, and strategic planning and execution.

Prof. Chui introduced the roles of Care Teams in Hong Kong communities and their importance to residents, “Care Teams can serve as a communication bridge between residents and the government, as well as to fill service gaps. Developed around three aspects, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusivity, the Teams can explore the application of technology and innovative methods in a sustainable society, maintain professionalism through reflection and explore best practices, as well as create a rich and encouraging environment to enhance resilience and embrace diversity.”

Prof. Horace MUI hoped that this programme can guide Care Teams to provide more comprehensive and effective management, “We expect each participant to possess professional knowledge and the latest skills to address social issues, thus enable them to provide necessary assistance and care to those in need, and be more adept in serving the community.”

Ms Sandy CHAN, a participant in the programme, shared that the lecture on the first day equipped her to better serve the community, “I have learnt how to effectively identify those in need and consider their feelings and dignity. I can therefore assist them in integrating into society with empathy.”

APSS is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and practice for more effective and compassionate human services through the integration of education, research and service, thus promoting social inclusion and community betterment locally, nationally and internationally. PReCIT brings together scholars from different disciplines and professions with the aim of promoting interdisciplinary cooperation and policy research. The District Services and Community Care Development Fund (Sai Kung) Company Ltd consolidates community resources and forces from all sectors and strengthens district networks. This tripartite collaboration provides a systematic and practical professional training programme for the Sai Kung District Care Teams. The programme, designed by world-renowned scholars and experienced professionals from various fields, equips them to offer high-quality care services to the community.

***END***