Co-Creation in everyone’s mind

In the last issue, we collected some thoughts on ‘Co-Creation’ through this eDM. Some may perceive Co-Creation as ‘Co-Existence’, signifying the development of a sustainable society through collaboration among the Government, Business Sector and the Community’. Others believe that Co-Creation is ‘Collaboration’, wherein multiple sectors join hands to develop new projects to address different social issues; ‘Co-Development‘ is the most common response. It does not only signify the concept of walking together but also sharing the same vision, mission and value, so that we can go beyond! Do these answers resonate with what you have had in mind?

Driving Companies Together to Achieve the Common Goals on Sustainable Development

In recent years, there has been a growing global concern for sustainable development, leading businesses of all sizes to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects in the business environment. To empower small and medium-sized enterprises and social service organisations in addressing ESG issues, Stakeholders Engagement team has launched the Sustainable Living workshop in collaboration with WWF-HK. Through group consultations, participants collaborate to generate ideas for energy-saving, carbon reduction measures, and other sustainable environmental solutions tailored to their respective companies and employees.

More than 80 representatives from companies and organisations responsible for sustainable development took part in workshops held in April and/or July. They shared experiences and challenges encountered in promoting environmental protection across industries, engaging in brainstorming to identify solutions collectively. WWF-HK provided professional advice and guidance, while some organisations committed to a six-month Sustainable Living Programme, aiming to cultivate environmentally friendly habits among employees and undertake impactful actions toward a shared objective.

During this era of global concern for sustainable development, such collaborative and communicative activities prove to be advantageous for both businesses and society at large. Through collective efforts, a triple-win scenario encompassing environmental protection, economic development, and social sustainability can be achieved.

Extended reading: 在企業內實踐環保方案 (Chinese version only)

What sparks can be ignited between NGO changemakers and the local arts and culture industry?

Have you ever thought about the sparks that can be generated between the social welfare sector and the arts and culture industry? “NGO Changemakers Incubation Scheme (Cohort 2)” with the theme of “Cultural & Art X Social Inclusion” has successfully concluded. During the closing ceremony, five changemakers from different NGOs have shared their experiences throughout the internships in cultural arts-related organizations , which broadened their horizons.

In addition to fostering networking and co-creation abilities among the NGOs’ staffs through cross-sector collaborations, the scheme also aims to discover common ground and explore untapped possibilities through the cultural shock between two sectors. For example, it explores the relationship between visually impaired individuals and mental health, or how to integrate reading culture into youth services. Quoting one of the changemakers’ metaphor, cross-sector collaborations can be likened to the winemaking process, and it is hoped that this scheme will continue to ferment and bring forth even more uncharted possibilities.

Co-Creation between Generations: Providing Free Home Repair Services for Needy Elders

Recognizing the growing need for home repairs among the elderly, the organisation `Repairs Givers’ has brought together a group of 50+ retirees to offer minor home repair services to underprivileged elders who live alone or with only a spouse. Recently, they partnered with PapaCare, an initiative led by a group of young individuals, to jointly provide free home repair services to those in need.

With the collaboration of Papabo’s advanced technology platform and Repairs Givers’ extensive service user networks, both parties aim to promote home repair volunteering in the community.  Despite the vary in age and their diverse backgrounds of volunteers, they share a common passion for enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. Philip from Repairs Givers mentioned that these volunteering activities have motivated retired men to become more socially active. He also encouraged retirees to step out of their comfort zones and participate in volunteer work.

Looking ahead, Philip plans to collaborate with Papabo to develop an enhanced e-platform with improved matching capabilities, aiming to benefit more elderly in need through home repair services and create a greater social impact.

“Social Innovation – Community 4.0”: Youth Creativity Illuminating the Future of Communities

Every community possesses unique characteristics challenges. For instance,  rodent problems in the Yau Tsim Mong District, while transportation issues in Kowloon City District. If everyone utilizes their abilities and unleashes their creativity, could there be more diverse collaboration and transformative changes wihtin the community?

Organized by The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the “Social Innovation · Community 4.0” competition encourages secondary school students to apply their STEM knowledge and utilize “Design Thinking” to propose practical solutions for various community issues over the past five years. Through this, they aim to address the problems and bring fresh insights to the community.

Students the needs of the community through outreaches and further enhanced the feasibility of their ideas through community engagement activities and interactions with local residents. This has allowed them to introduce innovative and practical solutions into the community.

Throughout the competition, students have the opportunity to put social innovation into action. This experience deepens their understanding of social innovation and design thinking, fostering a sense of social responsibility and empathy; while it also enables local residents to understand the potential and possibilities of technology and community development. The competition also promotes community cohesion and integration with young people.

Get to know Students’ ideas