As part of the “Community Sustainable Development” project and with support from the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF), we collaborated with 54 migrant domestic workers over the past year to organize a series of “4R Workshops” that combined environmental education with mobile photography.

These workshops were not only aimed at teaching basic photography skills, but also at raising awareness of environmental protection and sustainability through creative expression. Participants were guided to photograph objects commonly regarded as “trash” and to reimagine them as elements of beauty, color, and movement. Through their phone cameras, they explored the textures, colors, and uses of everyday items, capturing precious moments and offering fresh perspectives on life in Hong Kong.

Key Outcomes

1. Enhanced Environmental Awareness and Practice

   • In-depth discussions were held on plastic pollution, climate change, and resource consumption.

   • Participants shared eco-friendly practices from their home countries, including food waste upcycling and handmade clothing from recycled materials.

2. Creative Photography Portfolio

   • Each participant produced a series of themed photos that reflected environmental and social concerns.

   • Their works were featured in a public exhibition, receiving praise and recognition from local audiences.

3. Cultural Exchange and Peer Learning

   • Participants formed a learning community to share stories about climate change and natural disasters from their home countries.

   • The workshop connected environmental issues with broader themes such as gender, labor, and global inequality.

4. Life Skills and Emotional Well-being

   • Beyond photography, the workshops provided a space for relaxation, self-expression, and emotional support.

   • Many participants began crafting and inventing small upcycled projects that improved their quality of life.

 Significance of the Activity

• Increased Visibility and Inclusion of Migrant Workers
  Migrant domestic workers are often marginalized in Hong Kong. This program offered a platform for their voices, creativity, and lived experiences to be seen and valued.

• Cross-Cultural Dialogue and Community Connection
  The exhibition attracted local residents and fostered meaningful exchanges. One visitor movingly remarked, “They only have one day off each week, yet they care more about Hong Kong’s environment than we do.” This sentiment speaks to the very heart of our project.

• From Skill Building to Critical Thinking
  The workshop went beyond technical training to inspire participants to reflect on consumerism, waste, and environmental responsibility, encouraging personal and collective action.

• Expanding Environmental Education to Diverse Communities
  This initiative demonstrates how environmental education can be inclusive of diverse cultural perspectives and lived realities, and highlights the importance of involving underrepresented communities in the sustainability movement.