I had two professions. The first one was teaching.  After my college training, I entered into teaching. I taught in many parts of country. From the North to the South of my country. The subjects I taught were social studies, English, life skills and vocational skills. These were my areas. In fact, it was a profession that I liked very much. Because, any time I was in the class I was a passionate person. I did this job with passion. Through this work I was able to help the schools in many ways. Building the schools foundation. As well as the skills I taught the children, like vocational skills.

My other profession was as a building technician. In this job I worked with the department of rural housing and the cottage industry.  My main responsibility was in building clinics, schools and markets in rural areas. I worked in this job for about two years. My position was technical supervisor. Within this capacity I was involved in numerous projects  working with various NGO’s  like World Vision International and the  Program of Action to Mitigate the Social Cost of Adjustment (PAMSCAD). It was an initiative that was schemed to alleviate poverty in the rural areas. It was also a department that linked the urban and rural areas together. That is bringing together the basic necessities to rural folks.  Those were some of the professional experiences I had when I was in my country.

 If I got a job teaching in Hong Kong it would be great to exhibit my skills. I volunteered in crossroads. I feel that I could teach English in some of the secondary and primary schools in Hong Kong. I could also teach CDT and design technology subjects as I have previous experience in this field. These are some of the suggestions that I made in writing to the UNHCR. If I could be allowed to even teach without pay it would be good. I Just want to use and refresh my mind. I have heard no response from the UNHCR.I sent a similar letter to Social Welfare. Even suggesting to them if I could be given a chance to at least upgrade my educational skills in any institutions, no matter what level it may be. Again just to refresh my mind. There was no reply to this letter either. Never.  I want to propose this idea. Many of us would be very grateful if we were allowed to pursue such an educational course. Why am I saying all this? You know, looking at my background as a teacher, and as a building technician – I know my situation can never be the same as before. I cannot return to my country to work. If I was allowed to pursue an educational course, I think it would better equip me to deal with the future, wherever that may be.  If I am to acquire some further knowledge I will be confident that I can adjust myself in any place that I may find myself.

At this point in time I am just frustrated. I don’t know when and how my life will be. And this my situation forever it seems. No option has ever been given to asylum seekers or CAT claimants in   Hong Kong. There are people in Hong Kong who would be willing to assist asylum seekers and CAT claimants in seeking admission into education course if only we were given legal permission in this matter.   I have concluded that education is the only option since under the circumstance we have found ourselves, working is not an option. We know this is stated in Hong Kong’s law. I have become a victim of circumstances. Some of us have been here for 3 years, 4 years even more.  I believe that if the above mentioned suggestions were looked into a number of asylum seekers could move to safe, neighboring countries to pursue vocations and careers. This is seeing that Hong Kong will never allow us to have a future. This is an appeal to all sympathizers. If Hong Kong authorities could put these suggestions into consideration it would be great. I am not forcing them, only asking. I don’t always want to remember my past, the events that brought me here, but hopefully these considerations can be put into action and I can start building towards a future. Many of us are willing to work as volunteers. If there were such chances. I appreciate what the government is doing for me, but I also want to do something for the government in return. Then at least I could always remember Hong Kong anywhere, everywhere, anytime and all the time for the rest of my life.