Your Voice: Law discriminates against domestic helpers, young leaders tackle climate change (long letters)

When I first heard that Hong Kong lawmakers have updated a code of practice targeted at keeping domestic helpers from changing jobs, I was extremely shocked.

Singling out domestic workers for a restriction that does not apply to anyone else is discrimination. Everyone should have the right to switch employers anytime for any number of reasons, including higher pay or better working conditions.

When I asked my helper about it, I was surprised she supported the new limitation.

“I think that they should be strict,” Auntie Joyce said, handing me a glass of water. We were in my kitchen, and I had a class assignment to interview her for a profile.

Though I had been warned not to start with heavy questions, I felt comfortable enough with her that I dove right in. She has been with my family for 10 years, and I was only two when she started.

“Personally, I don’t think it really affects me,” Auntie Joyce added. “I like this family and will not switch jobs, but it may affect some.”

Project helps Hong Kong’s migrant workers tell their stories

The revised code was a response to employment agencies encouraging helpers to switch jobs to boost income during the pandemic when there was a shortage of workers, according to Betty Yung Ma Shan-yee, the chairwoman of the Hong Kong Employers of Overseas Domestic Helpers Association, in an article in RTHK.

When I asked my parents about it, they responded with mixed feelings.

“I would feel extremely sad if we lost Auntie Joyce,” my mum said. “She has shared so many great memories with us, and we enjoy her positive and joyful attitude.”

My father added that giving Auntie Joyce a generous raise each time her contract is renewed has helped retain her through the years.

He said he understood how hard it is to find a good helper and that other families might try to lure her away with more pay.

I am glad that my parents are taking care of her as well as she has taken care of us.

I especially enjoy her “Graham Cake”, a traditional Filipino dessert in which she layers graham crackers with whipped cream and mangoes.

But I will stop there. Advertising any more of her wonderful talents here is only asking for trouble.

It is discriminatory for our government to restrict Auntie Joyce from job-hopping, and I believe it is her right to break her contract with us at any time for any reason.

I would be devastated if I did lose her, but unlike our lawmakers, I respect her right to choose the best job she can find.

Arthur and Carter Li, The King’s School Shenzhen International

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (Cop29) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan earlier this month. A vital side event was organised during the conference under “Vulnerable Cities under Climate Impact”.

Having represented Chinese youth concerns at Cop28 last year, we were in attendance again for Cop29 to share our views and help continue to drive change.

This year’s Cop29 conference focused on urging nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat global climate change and support sustainable development worldwide.

The “Vulnerable Cities under Climate Impact” side event highlighted developing cities’ resilience challenges, bringing together young leaders, Unicef representatives, global climate education organisations and sustainable business leaders.

The discussion revolved around how young people’s perspectives and innovative approaches can strengthen climate resilience in these vulnerable cities.

We detailed our past year’s efforts to encourage peers to take action on climate issues, emphasising how small steps can result in massive progress. We want to demonstrate the younger generation’s commitment and resolve to address climate change head-on. We were the first youth speakers at the event. With humour and creativity, we shared our journey in raising climate awareness among our peers.

Hong Kong youth delegates to Cop28 call for better environmental education

In 2023, we began conducting climate awareness surveys at our school, later presenting their findings at Cop28. Last year, we pledged to help our classmates become some of the most climate-conscious youths in Shenzhen. In our speech this year, we reflected on the journey to fulfil that promise.

We faced challenges in our journey: switching schools meant we had to rebuild their network, invitations went unanswered and events were cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.

Despite these setbacks, we learned how to break down complex goals into specific tasks and find solutions to achieve them.

Over the past year, we organised various activities, inviting a Cop28 expert to speak with classmates about climate issues and organising a field trip to a zero-carbon community in Shenzhen.

We also created fun climate-themed quizzes to keep our classmates engaged. Engaging in hands-on activities helped our peers better understand how carbon neutrality and sustainability connect with everyday life.

Our goal is to continue educating young minds in Shenzhen and around the world. We also want to improve our survey response rate by collecting feedback and sharing our findings at Cop30 next year. We will keep going!