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This joint discovery event in Sham Shui Po stands out as one of my most meaningful experiences in Project Melo for me. Beyond the district’s gritty reputation, I saw a community alive with warmth and mutual support. Visiting a small craft store run by Mrs. Lee, a caregiver for her disabled daughter, I understood more about how deeply intertwined local businesses and residents are here. Their solidarity felt like a fading rarity in Hong Kong.
At Fortune Complex, a revitalized community space that welcomes all residents, we saw elderly residents stretching together on the ground floor. A neighborhood map with handwritten recommendations on the best places to visit and eat in the area. The energy defied the area’s aging buildings, a testimonial that vibrancy isn’t about shiny infrastructure, but people.
The fireside chat with SVHK’s Francis and artist HUMCHUK reshaped how I think about impact. HUMCHUK mentioned that sometimes impact isn’t quantified by how big the scope is, rather, it is reflected in how deeply an individual has been touched. This inspired me as I’ve always been harsh on myself and pessimistic about my ideas, thinking that they wouldn’t be of much help.
But what surprised me most was Francis’ emphasis on self-care. Like many, I’d assumed social innovation demanded self-sacrifice. His reminder that sustainable giving starts with personal well-being was something I’d never thought about. Impact isn’t a race to burnout; it’s a flow—from caring for ourselves, to those around us, then to the community.
