From Rehabilitation to Care: Serving Elderly with Heart 樂齡活力助更生

Four students from the Connect ACE Program led a service initiative in partnership with the Good Shepherd Renewal Ministry, bringing together HKUST students, rehabilitated individuals, and elderly residents to promote community care and social inclusion.

During the first session, HKUST volunteers worked alongside a rehabilitated volunteer to test and refine a series of healthy living and scam prevention games. Through interactive trial runs and scenario simulations, the team gathered valuable feedback to optimize the activities for the upcoming event. The rehabilitated volunteer also shared personal experiences and insights regarding the challenges of reintegrating into society, such as social stigma, interpersonal struggles, and employment barriers. This honest discussion fostered meaningful dialogue and helped students develop a deeper empathy for the rehabilitation journey.

The second session featured a lively health awareness game day. Our students together with rehabilitated volunteers warmly welcomed the elderly participants and facilitated a variety of interactive booths, ice-breakers, and a DIY photo frame workshop. These activities created an engaging atmosphere where participants and volunteers could connect, share life stories, and build genuine relationships.

Throughout the initiative, both the student volunteers and the rehabilitated partner demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the elderly. By interacting closely with the participants, the volunteers experienced firsthand the power of empathy, active listening, and companionship. This project not only brought joy and connection to the elderly residents but also empowered both the students and the rehabilitated volunteer to make a positive impact on their community.