Police project helping Hong Kong ethnic minorities learn Cantonese sees 460 people enrol
Promoting interest in disciplined services and boosting community ties eyed
A project in Yuen Long to provide Cantonese language support to ethnic minorities and promote their interest in joining the Hong Kong Police Force has attracted 460 participants, an instructor revealed on Sunday.
Is there a future for foreign police officers in Hong Kong?
Ethnic minority members might feel closer to me because of my skin colour
“Ethnic minority members might feel closer to me because of my skin colour,” Faisal said. “They might feel more confident in mastering the language when they see that I can do it, too.”
Faisal’s grandfather was a police officer in Hong Kong back in the British colonial era. His father was born in Hong Kong, and Faisal speaks Cantonese with his family. He grew up studying Chinese in a local school and took the former A-levels examination in Form 7.
The project offers weekly Chinese classes and a mentorship programme to enhance language proficiency and boost confidence in joining the force, according to Beco Lee Pak-ho of the Police Community Relations Office in Yuen Long.
Lee hoped the activities could help enhance participants’ sense of social responsibility and strengthen community ties.