For most people, having a birthday cake is an ordinary part of celebrating a birthday. For one boy living in a residential care home, however, it was his greatest wish.
During a recent Cook to Care outing, a social worker told us that one of the boys would be celebrating his birthday the next day. When we surprised him with a cake and sang Happy Birthday together, his smile reminded us how much a simple act of care can mean to a young person who has grown up without consistent family support.
Cook to Care is a mentoring and cooking program designed for boys living in residential care homes. Through cooking classes, community activities, outdoor experiences, and mentoring relationships, we aim to strengthen their psychosocial development and provide the sense of belonging and security that many have missed in life.
As trust grows, the boys begin to reveal their strengths and passions. Some proudly share their achievements in 3D printing; others talk about years of lion dance training. When mentors listen attentively and affirm their talents, their confidence begins to grow.
On one occasion, a normally reserved boy excitedly raced a shopping cart through a supermarket like a child at play. Rather than seeing immaturity, we saw something deeper: he felt safe enough to relax, be himself, and experience the carefree joy he had often missed.
These young people are easily overlooked by society. Yet through genuine relationships, they experience being seen, accepted, and valued. Small gestures—a birthday cake, a word of encouragement, or a mentor’s attention—can have a profound impact, helping them build confidence, security, and hope for the future.
How Can Cooking Become a Form of Care?
The Idea Behind Cook to Care
In Hong Kong, a growing number of young people are struggling with anxiety, emotional distress, and school refusal. Many find it difficult to return to school or transition into work, leaving them vulnerable to isolation and uncertainty.
Research shows that a stable and supportive relationship with a caring adult can make a significant difference in the lives of these at-risk young people. Yet mentoring support for youth who are disengaged from education remains limited.
To address this need, YGN launched the Cook to Care Mentoring Programme, using cooking as a gentle and engaging way to reconnect with young people. Cooking creates a relaxed environment where participants and mentors can build trust naturally through preparing meals, cooking together, and sharing food. In the process, young people experience acceptance, belonging, and support without the pressure of formal counselling.
The programme has delivered encouraging results. Participants have gained cooking skills, confidence, and motivation to learn, while mentoring relationships have strengthened their sense of self-worth, social support, and community connection. Overall satisfaction reached 83.3%, reflecting a positive impact on their holistic development.
Currently, YGN serves boys aged 7 to 18 from residential care facilities operated by the Hong Kong Student Aid Society, including Chak Yan Centre, Cheung Hong Hostel, Shing Tak Centre, and Un Chau Hostel. These facilities support young people facing educational, emotional, behavioural, or family-related challenges. Through Cook to Care, we hope to journey alongside them and help them build confidence, resilience, and hope for the future.