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Behind each piece of handmade specialty chocolate lies a journey: the slow roasting of beans, the grinding that releases their deep aroma, the precise tempering, and the careful molding into form. It is a process that demands both persistence and patience.
But the magic of chocolate is not just in its creation. Containing 50% cocoa butter, it offers more than sensory delight - it brings with it a wealth of nutritional richness. In many ways, this craft mirrors another, far more profound journey: the lifelong dedication to caring for individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Hello Cocoa is a social enterprise dedicated to walking alongside SEN individuals and their caregivers. By providing on-the-job training and clear career pathways, the organization helps people with autism, physical disabilities, intellectual impairments, and those recovering from mental health challenges to leverage their unique strengths.
After my son graduated from a special school, he struggled to find a suitable employer. This led me to establish Hello Cocoa, said Founder Louie Lu. I hoped to create job opportunities for SEN individuals, accompany them as they grow, and guide them in communicating with the public to build their confidence and ability.
The company now has 18 SEN employees who produce and sell chocolate, cookies and cakes. The company insists on using specialty cocoa beans from single origins and supports Hong Kong businesses by sourcing ingredients locally.
In addition to operating physical and online shops, the company also co-organizes workshops, seminars and inclusive activities with companies and schools to raise public awareness of SEN individuals and show employers how capable they are if given a chance.
SEN individuals are like snails, explained Lu. They may be slower in mastering learning, self-care and social skills, but with patient guidance, you will discover that they are very diligent and dedicated workers.
He has taken this outreach further by establishing the Hello Cocoa 2.0 Inclusive Academy, where parents of SEN individuals and supportive employers guide unemployed special school graduates so they can gradually integrate into workplace environments.
Lu said that SEN employees generally have weaker social skills, which can be a challenge when they seek peer support. To overcome this, the company is collaborating with an IT firm to develop an app called AI Buddy.
Building partnerships is one of the reasons that Hello Cocoa wanted to join HKGCC. The Chamber's extensive network gives the company the opportunity to reach member companies across various industries.
He also hopes to support the Chamber's policy advocacy work, particularly efforts aimed at promoting the employment of people with disabilities.
Looking ahead, Lu plans to expand Hello Cocoa by opening shops and academies in the GBA to help SEN individuals expand further across the Mainland.