Page 22 - School Newsletter 2019-2020

Student Development
F.3 Experiential Learning
Gingko House: A Social Enterprise Cuisine
On 10th July 2019, Form 3 students visited various social enterprises across the city. The programme was attended by all students from Form 3, and was led by ten teachers. Its aim was to introduce students to different aspects of Hong Kong life, culture, people with special needs, and unique business and service organisations.
One class paid a visit to the Gingko House restaurant in Yau Ma Tei, which aims to promote senior employment in Hong Kong in an effort to alleviate pensioners’ depression as a result of retirement. According to the CEO of Gingko House, 80 percent of all the staff are senior citizens.
During the half-day visit to the restaurant in Yau Ma Tei, students and teachers tasted one of the signature dishes in the restaurant - deep-fried pork chops with Asian herbs. While we were savouring the meal, the manager educated participants on the ever-deteriorating problem of urban aging along with employees sharing their difficulties in their post-retirement life. During the talk, students were inspired to work together to help our senior citizens who have dedicated so much to our society.
Apart from the savory delicacies, students were amazed by the efficiency and reliability of the employees. More often than not, the elderly are labeled as feeble individuals in society. However, these retired citizens work just as well as their much younger counterparts. This activity armed students with valuable knowledge of urban aging and how social enterprises can help ameliorate the problem by reemploying retirees.
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