On a Saturday in early 2026, the C&SD Volunteer Team, in collaboration with the Community Services Division of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, took about 20 children to the Hong Kong PHAB Association Jockey Club PHAB Camp for a joyful organic farming experience. This educational activity was initiated by the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Led by Mr Leo Yu Chun-keung, Commissioner for Census and Statistics, the children were accompanied by 23 volunteers from C&SD to learn about green living and participate in organic planting, such as watering, fertilising, and pruning plants. During the "From Farm to Table" workshop, young participants harvested fresh lemons and mixed lemon peels into doughs for making cookies, enabling them to experience the entire process of food production from cultivation to table.

When watering the plants, the children carefully held watering cans, gently sprinkling water over the roots of plants and learning attentively about the varying water requirements for different species of plants. At harvest time, the children were so elated at learning how to gently pick ripe yellow fruits from the branches under the guidance of experts. Meanwhile, they have also gained an understanding of the importance of caring for trees.

In the baking workshop, volunteers and children then took turns to knead the doughs and add lemon peels for making cookies. When the cookies turned golden brown and crispy, all kids could hardly wait to taste the freshly baked cookies, and also brought some cookies home for sharing with their families. Through this hands-on experience, the children deeply appreciated that delicious food does not simply appear on store shelves, but is closely intertwined with sustained efforts and seasonal changes.

Mr Jackie Fung Wing-ngai, Statistician of C&SD participating in the activity, shared that he enjoyed the fun of gardening with the energetic young kids on the organic farm, finding it a refreshing break from his daily work. The hands-on experience of organic farming proved highly rewarding for the children, and fostered their mutual learning and exchange. Another participant Mr Adam Chan Chun-yin, Research Manager of C&SD said that the children showed strong passion and curiosity for nature. It was not only a meaningful experience to learn how to cherish food and protect the environment with these children, but also enabled colleagues to be more determined in maintaining ecological balance.

The C&SD Volunteer Team will continue to play a bridging role by mobilising team members to proactively engage in community service. We believe that spending time with those in need and showing care for them can contribute to positive changes in society. The steadfast commitment of civil servants to serving the community is fully demonstrated in these volunteer services that are closely linked to people’s livelihood.