Letters | Hong Kong would benefit from having more ethnic minority teachers and social workers
- Readers discuss tapping ethnic minority networks for effective outreach, the danger of stigmatising vulnerable groups, and the urgent need for more resources for mental health support
One effective way to address the mental health and other needs of minorities is to engage people from the minority groups themselves. When social workers from a different cultural and linguistic background attempt to reach out to minority groups, they often encounter barriers that prevent them from connecting with these communities on a deeper level.
By contrast, people from the same cultural and linguistic background will find it easier to offer targeted help. They can draw on traditional methods and practices that are unique to the culture – such as yoga and meditation, attending congregational prayers and speaking to religious leaders – which can be more effective in addressing mental health needs.
People from the same culture also share linguistic markers that help to convey complex ideas and emotions and will be more easily understood by the person receiving help. Ideas unique to a culture may not translate well into other languages.
With the necessary educational and professional training, people from minority backgrounds will be in a better position to work with mainstream social workers and teachers to help their fellow community members.