In response to World Mental Health Day on October 10, the 2024 World Mental Health Day event, “Embracing Joy in Lotus City,” was successfully co-hosted by the Fuhong Society of Macau and MGM on October 12, 2024, at the MGM Cotai Ballroom. The event aimed to promote the positive status and capabilities of mentally rehabilitated individuals within the community, encourage harmonious coexistence among people, and foster a more inclusive society. The MUST Social Service Team, supervised by the Student Affairs Office, responded positively and sent ten members to participate.
This event aligns with the national publicity theme for World Mental Health Day 2024: “Co-construction, Co-governance, and Co-sharing for a Joint, Healthy, and Peaceful Mind.” It encourages the public to develop a proper understanding of mental health, to care for individuals with mental health needs, and to eliminate misconceptions and discrimination surrounding mental illnesses.
On the day of the event, the members of SST not only enjoyed the wonderful performances presented by the LIFE BAND and students from the Pou Lei Centre of Fuhong Society of Macau, but they also collaborated with individuals undergoing mental rehabilitation and other members of the public. Under the guidance of staff from the Fuhong Society, they created two large-scale artistic installations that integrated five art forms: Zentangle painting, stamp painting, sticker painting, cloisonné enamel, and diamond painting. These creations collectively depict the landscape of Macau, symbolizing that society is composed of individuals working together and cooperating with one another, with each person being an indispensable part of the community.
After the event, team member Chen Yufei stated, event not only provided me with a deeper understanding of individuals who have undergone mental rehabilitation, but it also filled me with respect and compassion for them. We are all integral components of society, and each of us plays a fundamental role. While they may not be able to navigate life's challenges alone, with our support, they can shine as brightly as anyone else. I believe that as long as we collaborate, we can make society function harmoniously, much like a well-tuned piano."
This activity enables members of the SST to gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances faced by mentally rehabilitated individuals, observe their efforts, and simultaneously cultivate a sense of responsibility to assist others, promote harmony, and contribute to building a brighter future.
Fuhong Society of Macau is a non-profit social service organization dedicated to providing a range of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and those undergoing mental rehabilitation. The Fuhong Society actively develops social enterprises, offers vocational training for people with disabilities, and seeks to create more job opportunities to enhance their quality of life and fulfill their social roles.
MGM has long been dedicated to advancing mental health initiatives and fostering the integration of individuals with disabilities and those without in the workplace. The company offers a variety of training programs related to the hotel industry for people with disabilities and actively hires individuals who have completed vocational skills training and internships. Through these efforts, MGM effectively communicates the vital concept of inclusivity to society.
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