Being covered in congee is all part of a day's work for Terry
Do you think ordering a young offender to do community service is better than locking him up? If someone breaks the law he is tried and usually the judge sentences him to a term of confinement in a borstal or prison.
But judges also have the choice of not confining the offender but making him do community service. One example of community service would be disposing of litter left on beaches.
In the current Songbirds drama, Steffi and Terry have been caught in possession of drugs at a rave party. At the conclusion of their trial the judge sentences them to 200 hours of community service.
Ted: Hi Terry. How did it go?
Terry: The judge sentenced me to 200 hours' community service.
Ted: What does that mean?
Terry: I'm not sure. But one thing I am sure of, I don't have to be locked up!
Social Worker: Hello. My name's Mr Yau and I've been appointed to take care of your community service.
Terry: What do I have to do?
Mr Yau: Well, you're going to work as a helper in a home for senior citizens.
Terry: You mean I'm going to work with old people?
Mr Yau: Yes.
Ted: Hey Terry. That's a lot better than being locked up.
Terry: So when do I start?
Mr Yau: Monday. Now here's the address.
(Terry goes to the home for senior citizens on Monday. The matron gives him his first job.)
Matron: So you're the boy doing community service?
Terry: Yes.
Matron: Good. We could do with some help around here.
Terry: What do I have to do?
Matron: You can start by taking breakfast to some of our clients who can't make it to the dining hall.
Terry: Okay.
Matron: And make sure Mr Li eats his breakfast, okay?
(Terry wheels in a trolley with food into Mr Li's room.)
Terry: Are you Mr Li?
Mr Li: Who wants to know?
Terry: Here's your breakfast.
Mr Li: I don't want any. Take it away.
Terry: But matron said you had to eat it.
Mr Li: Tell her to eat it.
Terry: Come on Mr Li. Here, look, a nice bowl of congee.
Mr Li: I said take it away! (He throws the bowl at Terry.)
Terry: Now look what you've done, I'm covered in congee!
Mr Li: Serves you right!
* Listen to Songbirds on Sunday at noon or on Thursday at 7 pm. You can find RTHK Radio 4 by tuning to FM97.6.
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