The Science Museum is currently hosting this year's HK SciFest, an event that offers science exploration activities for people of all ages. On hand to accompany people on their scientific journey are trained volunteer guides or docents. They are the first faces visitors see and are essential in creating a memorable museum experience.
Jeff Cheung is 70-years-old and works as a docent at the Science Museum. He happily admits to being a science geek and hopes to share his passion for the subject through volunteering.
Mr Cheung helps out at the museum's latest exhibition Strange Matter, where visitors can delve into the science behind everyday materials through interactive exhibits. He recently guided a group of primary school students through the exhibit and was pleased to encourage their natural curiosity.
"Everything is interesting to them and it is normal for them to be excited, they are kids after all. I let them try out the exhibits to find out what interests them, then I explain the scientific principles behind them."
Giving back to society
Mr Cheung has worked as a docent for more than a decade. He has helped those ranging in age from toddlers to seniors elevate their interest in science. He believes being considerate and patient are important traits for a docent.
He volunteers not just to help others. It is also a useful way for him to keep his scientific knowledge up-to-date.
"I want to be a productive senior. I want to do my part and make an important contribution to the community," he said.
Mr Cheung signed up to volunteer with several organisations when he retired. When he found out the Science Museum was recruiting, he applied immediately and it became his primary job.
"I am always one of the first to visit a new exhibition, because we need to know all about it before it is open to the public."
Mr Cheung used to work for a telecommunications company and translated Morse code for sea captains. One of his favourite places in the museum is the Telecommunications Gallery where he gets to share his Morse code skills with visitors.
Bridging the divide
Docents are not only hosts who must provide a warm welcome to visitors. They also are the museum's frontline and serve as interpreters of the expos, helping to give people a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
Karen Hon, a stay-at-home mum to three children, also works as a docent at the Science Museum and enjoys taking her own kids there too.
"I love science. It's not just my kids I want to share science with. When I see children at the museum raising their hands to answer questions after we conduct experiments, it is very gratifying."
Engineer, Wong Ying-wai has been a docent since 1992. He sees it as a way to relax after working with machines all day.
"I am an engineer. I work with machines. But when I work as a docent at the Science Museum, I get to interact with people while using my scientific knowledge to help others explore their interest in the subject. I love this job."
Signing up
The Science Museum began recruiting docents in 1992, a year after it opened. Since then, it has hired 592 volunteers. There are currently 163 of them working at the museum.
Docent applicants must be over 18 years old; be secondary school graduates in a minimum of two science subjects; or be educated to tertiary level; or have five years' work experience. They must also be fluent in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. The volunteers are assessed before being allowed to give tours.
The Science Museum is not currently recruiting docents, but those who are interested can visit its website for details.
