Opportunities for all: Hong Kong University catering project allows disabled to thrive

Our students' learning experience has been significantly enhanced due to the excellent environment in the new Centennial Campus. The services (including catering and recreation) available to students and staff have improved substantially. There is a greater choice of food, including produce provided by social enterprises.

For example, the Bijas, the vegetarian restaurant, provides high-quality dishes and some of the vegetables are grown on the top of buildings on the campus. Rooftop farming not only provides supplies for the restaurant but also has a cooling effect on the building. There is a buffet-type arrangement and food is charged by weight to minimise waste.

Rice and soup are provided free, so it is especially appealing for anyone looking for a filling meal on a tight budget. It is also pleasing to see they employ people with disabilities.

Another one is CAFÉ 330 in the newly furnished Chong Yuet Ming Building.

It is run by the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, a non-governmental organisation that aims to provide a comprehensive range of quality community-based rehabilitation services for people recovering from mental illness.

The restaurant has adopted a business approach in its operation, with the primary objective of providing job opportunities and training placements to people in recovery in a real work setting. Through meaningful work they can rebuild their confidence, reintegrate into the community and achieve self-reliance. The restaurant is stylishly designed, clean with good value-for-money food and friendly employees. What else can we ask for in a catering service?