14/10/2026
“Where Safety Takes Root: Programme Helps Nepali Mother Nurturing Home in Old Neighborhood”
Having loving parents is the starting point of a lifetime of happiness for a child. Kumari lives with her husband and seven-year-old daughter in an old tenement building in Yau Tsim Mong. Upon stepping into her home, her meticulous care for her family is instantly clear. The space is spotlessly clean and organized, creating a warm and tidy atmosphere. However, routine housework alone is not enough to resolve the hidden safety hazards inherent in the home.
To give her family a safer home and greater peace of mind, Kumari signed up for the “Home Level-Up Programme” jointly organized by the Urban Renewal Authority and the Hong Kong Christian Service. Through a professional safety assessment, the social worker noticed potential fire hazards in the kitchen, where paper was placed under the gas stove and plastic wallpaper covered the surrounding wall. The paper and the grease accumulated on the wallpaper were highly flammable, posing a severe fire hazard.
The social worker immediately advised Kumari to clean the area regularly, and arranged for the technician to install a stainless-steel anti-grease splash guard next to the stove, as well as a smoke detector and a fire blanket to ensure timely alerts and protection in an emergency.
“In the past, we might not have even noticed if a fire broke out, but now we do. I feel more at ease.” Kumari expressed with relief.
Additionally, as the kitchen sliding door had become loose over time and accidentally scratched her visiting nephew, the technician replaced it as well.
Beyond the kitchen, Kumari’s daughter’s bedroom faces a main street lined with eateries, making it prone to pests. Kumari had no choice but to keep all windows closed, leaving the room without proper ventilation. To solve this, the technician installed window screens in the room, allowing fresh air to flow freely while keeping pests out.
“I’ve always wanted my daughter to breathe more fresh air; now we can finally open the windows without worrying,” Kumari shared with joy.
During the home visit, the social worker also noticed that Kumari’s daughter lacked a proper study table and usually had to do her homework on the sofa or bed, which raised concerns about her posture and long-term spinal health. The social worker promptly referred the case to a professional team to provide bespoke furniture, creating an appropriate learning environment for the child.
With improvements tailored to the family’s needs, the scheme helped address hidden safety hazards and brought greater peace of mind to their daily lives. For Kumari’s family, it was especially heartening that, beyond home safety, her daughter’s health and learning needs were also given such thoughtful attention.
Grassroots families from diverse cultural backgrounds or elderly residents living in Yau Tsim Mong district who need help with home safety, decluttering and organisation, or furniture provision and layout are welcome to contact our office at 2708 2225 or reach us on WhatsApp at 6643 3994 for more details!
