Amity Bakery, which is managed by the community service center of the Amity Foundation, is a non-profit organization, a vocational training workshop for youth with intellectual disabilities supervised by the Home of Blessings. It aims to promote the mentally challenged teenagers’ employment, value their participation and thereby give them a dignified and meaningful life.

The bakery selects high standard raw materials for every product, adds no artificial flavours or spices. All the products are 100% handmade, enjoying a mellow and pure quality. The interior design and work process in the Bakery are both operating strictly based on Health licensing requirements. The main products include European-style bread, Japanese-style bread, handmade moon cake, western-style cookies, Chinese snack, fresh cream mousse, birthday cakes and handmade chocolate.

Case Study: Chow Jian

Chow Jian is already 33 years old and has Down syndrome. According to the Home of Blessings, Chow Jian was born in an ordinary worker’s family but it was not until his kindergarten teacher suggested to his parents that he be checked that they began to realize that their son was different with other children. Since they had no knowledge about this type of illness, and lacked information about whether any special school exists, the helpless mother made do with the child at home. For 20 years, Chow did not go to school. He only interacted with family, including, uncles and aunts in the yard of his own home. His tasks included pouring water and making tea for people who were playing cards. However, one day, his mother noticed the news about the Amity Home of Blessings in a newspaper and arrived home very excited, waving the newspaper. She knew, her son would now have a place to stay.

In 2004, during the trial period at the Home of Blessings, Chow acted just like a big kid. To help him learn new things, teachers introduced new concepts for the first time. They encouraged him to study writing and numbers by a varied curriculum of teaching. He was now able to calculate using his fingers, draw circles, fill in crossword… He was able to experience many of the childhood memories that many of us remember for the first time. Curiousity, excitement and happiness; his life has been enriched by this new variety. Through the Amity Bakery and the staff’s patient encouragement, Chow has acquired the skills to make noon cakes, bread and other snacks. He is well on his way to being an excellent chef.