The “Mutual Support & Elderly Care” Community Service Event, organized by the Yuen Long District Community Youth Club, was successfully held at our school this year. We were honored to collaborate with the Pok Oi Hospital Mrs. Wong Tung Yuen District Elderly Community Centre and the Yuen Long Town Hall Mrs. Leung Hok Chiu Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, enabling 100 caregivers to participate in the event. Additionally, the event coordination team included 100 student volunteers from Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee Kung Yik She Primary School, Buddhist Chan Wing Kan Memorial School, Buddhist Wing Yan School, and our school, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
As the rotating host school for this year’s preparation team, we introduced the event with “AI Time-Travel Dialogue,” leveraging artificial intelligence to foster a compassionate community. Using iPads equipped with AI photo applications (FaceApp), elderly participants had their photos transformed to a youthful version, while student volunteers experienced a simulation of aging with digitally applied white hair. This “beyond-time” interaction encouraged meaningful conversations, memory-sharing, and reflections on the different stages of life.
The second segment, “Handmade with Heart,” allowed participants to bond through creative handicraft activities prepared by the participating schools. Buddhist Wing Yan School students guided elderly participants in making blessing sachets, Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee Kung Yik She Primary School prepared dried flower coasters, and Buddhist Chan Wing Kan Memorial School introduced decorative wooden rattles. Through these interactive crafts, unforgettable moments were created.
During the ceremony, we were honored to welcome distinguished guests, including Ms. LEE Mei-lan, Assistant Education Officer from the Education Bureau, and Mr. CHAN Moon-lam, Vice Chairman of the Yuen Long District Community Youth Club, who attended to show their support. In addition to presenting certificates of appreciation to participating organizations, representatives from the Wong Tung Yuen District Elderly Community Centre and from the Yuen Long Town Hall Mrs. Leung Hok Chiu Neighbourhood Elderly Centre provided insights on the role of caregivers and the needs of the community.
With an aging population and declining birth rates, caregivers play a crucial role in supporting elderly family members, often without recognition. Particularly for elderly caregivers themselves, the lack of support can lead to immense pressure. This event has taught us that with the combined efforts of various stakeholders, we can alleviate the burden on caregivers, ensuring they do not face these challenges alone.
Through AI photo editing, handicraft-making, and performances from different schools, the event was both engaging and heartwarming. Caregivers, dressed in vibrant sportswear, joined participants in an energetic group dance, demonstrating that both caregivers and the elderly can lead active, fulfilling lives. This event not only highlighted the importance of caregiving but also reinforced the message of living and learning with joy for future generations.
