Last month, I took part in a programme called ‘Swapping Roles’. I had to stay with a single parent family in Sham Shui Po for three days. Before the stay, I had only heard the word ‘poverty’ in the news, but now, I have had a taste of poverty for real. I am glad that I grabbed this golden opportunity and had an eye-opening experience.
The family that I stayed with is the Chan family. The single mother works around the clock as a street cleaner to make a living. She has not applied for the CSSA. She wants to be self-supporting so she can have dignity. However, her meagre wage is eaten up by the high rate of inflation. Her salary barely covers the expenditure of food, schooling of her daughter and rent. The family is struggling to make ends meet.
On the first day, I was introduced to the family early in the morning. Even though I had mental preparation of what the environment would be like, I was absolutely shocked to see how substandard their flat is. They live in a sub-divided flat with poor ventilation, poor sanitation and blocked fire exits. It was quite hot that day so the room was like an oven and the air was stuffy. The flat was too small to swing a cat and there was hardly any space to move about. I asked the 11-year-old daughter Grace if she was worried about the fire risks. She answered, “I hope it will never happen, but if a fire really breaks out, we’re doomed.”
“We’ve being waiting for the public housing for five whole years, still we’re on the waiting list,” the mother added. “The Government doesn’t help us. All I ask for is to have a decent place to live and a life without hunger.”
By dinner time, I really felt sorry for them. To me, it is common to have a dish of meat and vegetables for dinner. However, the Chans could only eat rice and canned food they obtained from the Food Bank. As we all know, such minimal food is certainly not enough for a growing girl. Due to increasing food prices, fresh vegetables and meat are already luxuries to the grass root family.
At night, I slept on the floor, in my sleeping bag. Grace and her mother slept on a worn-out and wobbly bunk bed. I thought to myself: They are such kind and friendly people. Why do they have to suffer? Why can’t they have better quality of life?
The next day was Saturday. As there is a lack of money, Grace cannot participate in any paid extra-curricular activities. She loves drawing very much but the family cannot afford the tuition fees and the tools. Without a rich portfolio of extra-curricular activities, she would definitely be disadvantaged in the competition for secondary schools. All we did that day was playing in a nearby park. The fresh air and the spaciousness were really refreshing. It was such a relaxing place where all the troubles seemed to vanish into thin air. Grace said, “This is the only entertainment in my leisure time.”
Finally, it was time to leave. During those days, I established a close relationship with the family and it was hard to say goodbye. I wished them good luck and we exchanged our phone numbers so that we can keep in touch.
This experience would be the most memorable one in my life. I have gained a lot from it. I have learnt that I should not take things for granted because not everyone is as fortunate as I am. We should cherish what we have and help others who are less fortunate. Giving brings more happiness than receiving.
The programme has truly fulfilled its goals. It enables me to experience how the lower income family lives and I really value more of what I have now. This personal experience helps me understand poverty in a real life situation. We should always treasure what we have. Living in a decent flat and a life without hunger are not a must to everybody.
I think the programme is very meaningful. Not only did I go through the harsh life myself, but I also reflected on my lifestyle. I realize that I should live a simple life and devote time to helping the needy in society through donations and voluntary work.
This programme is worth participating in. If you are interested, do not hesitate to sign up. You are bound to have an unforgettable experience.