8-12-year-old "Little Investigator" researches community issues and hopes citizens listen to children's opinions

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Mrs. MacLehose announced today (24th) the research results of the "Little Investigator" project.

18 children aged 8 to 12 from Shek Lei and Kwai Fong turned into small community officers. From February to July this year, they conducted research on the three major community issues selected by the joint discussion, including the impact of the epidemic on children in suitable housing, Reconstructing the community facilities that Lei Muk Road Park and a child-friendly living circle should have, hoping to allow more citizens to listen to and understand children's opinions.

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Mrs. MacLehose announced today (24th) the research results of the "Little Investigator" project.

(Provided by Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Lady MacLehose Centre)

Nearly 80% of children in subdivided rooms have poor eyesight and physical fitness due to the epidemic

At the initial stage of the activity, the junior officers took the lead in selecting three major community issues, and divided them into three groups to discuss in the form of online groups from February to May, and jointly discussed and formulated the research topic methods and objects of related issues.

The survey was then conducted in April and May and the data were analysed together to discuss relevant recommendations for children.

The group plans its own exhibition booths and produces related exhibits for the study between June and July.

The clerk collected 70 questionnaires from children living in inappropriate housing in the district by means of a questionnaire survey.

The survey found that nearly 80% of children said that their eyesight and physical fitness deteriorated significantly during the epidemic, which is believed to be related to prolonged online classes and lack of exercise.

Due to the suspension of classes, children in subdivided rooms not only do not have a basic weekly gym, but also lack space for exercise due to the cramped home environment. Together with the closure of public playgrounds, children have no place to play every day, and their physical fitness deteriorates.

Another 80% of the children think that life is boring during the epidemic, and more than 60% feel unhappy and helpless.

The junior officer believes that the suspension of classes and schools, and the long-term stay in the subdivided housing environment with insufficient private space have caused many negative emotions and feelings of powerlessness in children, and it is difficult for grass-roots families to provide children with diverse activities.

Therefore, in the long run, it poses a threat to the mental health of children in primary subsidised housing.

The junior officers plan their own exhibition booths and make research-related exhibits.

(Provided by Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Lady MacLehose Centre)

The secretary suggested that the government provide post-pandemic support for children in subdivided housing, including providing free eye examinations to make up for the missed school child health services in the past two years; funding schools or non-profit organizations to provide more community parent-child activities to maintain parent-child relationships.

Schools should also provide more free after-school learning support, including after-school homework classes, tutoring, etc., so that grassroots students can recover their learning progress.

Over 90% of children support the renovation of playgrounds and advocate the creation of more resting places

In addition, Limu Road Park will be included in the reconstruction project in 2021, and the junior officer collected 72 questionnaires about the reconstruction of Limu Road Park from children in the district.

The survey found that nearly 90% of children agreed that Lei Muk Road Park needed to be refurbished.

Some of the children interviewed thought that the average rating of Lei Muk Road Park was only 54 points (out of 100). The junior officer analyzed that in addition to the dilapidated facilities, the overall park planning was also poor, a large number of open spaces lacked facilities, and the multi-purpose grassland was very poor. It is less open to the public. In addition, the toilet is too far from the playground, which is also the reason for its loss.

+3

The secretary suggested that when planning and rebuilding the playground, the government could consider setting up more resting places. On the one hand, it is convenient to observe the safety of children, and on the other hand, it can allow the caregivers to rest, and redesign and plan the playground from the perspective of children.

The opinions of this project will be placed on the virtual map, so that more citizens can understand and listen to the voices and opinions of children. It is hoped that the society will always consider incorporating the voices of children and promote the development of children's rights.

Subdivided housing rent management for half a year is still insufficient for tenant protection

01 Community