With the Lunar New Year approaching, warmth arrives first. Today, Principal Mr. WAN, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals, a group of teachers and students, and the Evangelist of the ELCHK Tin Yiu Life Lutheran Church Ms. YAP visited The STEP of the Lutheran Church of Hong Kong Social Services Department. Through service that integrates church, community, and school, they conveyed goodwill through their actions, bringing joy and warmth together. The STEP provides transitional housing units for residents affected by the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire. To date, more than 50 households have successfully moved in, allowing residents to seamlessly transition and reintegrate into their lives. This “Sharing Love Activity Day” began with a prayer led by Ms. YAP. Teachers and students exchanged blessings with neighbors, offering warm greetings and casual conversation. Principal Mr. WAN and students presented New Year’s calligraphy and the character “福” (Fu, meaning good fortune) to the residents, and even made rubbings of the character together. They also demonstrated their calligraphy skills on the spot, personally teaching each stroke of the character “福,” conveying New Year’s wishes to every family. These simple interactions brought everyone closer, fostering a strong sense of neighborly affection and belonging.
Afterwards, residents of The STEP transitional housing project spontaneously acted as guides, leading YLLSS teachers and students on a tour of the transitional housing project’s show flats, newly completed facilities, and community living room. They shared stories of their lives, demonstrating how they contribute their skills to the community and realize their self-worth through sharing and giving. The teachers and students also visited the Wang Fuk Court Residents’ Support Center, formerly a supply collection point, where social workers recounted touching stories of mutual support among neighbors after a fire, ensuring that every act of kindness and mutual assistance was seen and remembered.
This also offers career planning insights from volunteer service—teachers and students experience the power of empathy through volunteer work, reflect on their growth through hands-on practice, and understand the profound meaning of “it is equally blessed to give and to receive.” In giving, they find their own value, learn to take responsibility, and, while contemplating the meaning of work and the value of life, allow kindness to take root and sprout in their hearts, becoming the most precious nourishment on their path to growth.
With love and mutual support, we envision a flourishing partnership between the community and the school, where every resident in The STEP transitional housing project feels the warmth of home and enjoys a life of peace and prosperity!
