Our project, titled Development of Pre-trip/Pre-service Training Materials to Understand Aging in Place in a Rural Community on Lamma Island, Hong Kong, is an educational initiative supported by the Funding Scheme for Development of Community-engaged Learning under the Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant (TDLEG) 2022-25. The project aims to create specialized learning materials focusing on the experiences, challenges, and contributions of the aging community. This effort aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030), which is a global collaboration aimed at improving the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live (World Health Organisation 2023). This project echoes such international calls by engaging undergraduate students in the co-development of training materials and service-learning activities.

The initiative has facilitated a community sharing session on Lamma Island, a pilot visit with CUHK Shaw College General Education students, a service field visit involving over 20 sociology students, and an interactive exhibition on the CUHK Campus. Through the field visits and interviews, four video interviews and one audio interview were produced, recording the life stories told by rural residents of older ages. Four micro-modules were also produced, covering topics including Rural Sociology, Aging in Place, Qualitative Research, and Climate Resilience, which serve as valuable pre-trip learning resources. The project assists in fostering awareness and meaningful engagement with rural aging issues.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our invaluable partner, the Hans Andersen Club on Lamma Island, whose support was instrumental to the success of this project. Our special thanks go to Ms May Wong, the organization’s Executive Director, whose visionary leadership and deep understanding of the island’s aging community assisted every phase of our project. We are equally grateful for Mr. Hung, whose tireless support and advice facilitated our field visits and connection with the community members. The project also owes much to Ms. Xanise’s experience and knowledge, which helped us transform our interviews into genuine dialogues and appreciation for Lamma’s unique community.

Hans Andersen Club’s deep-rooted connections within the community allowed us to engage in meaningful conversations with older residents, ensuring that every field visit and interview was conducted smoothly. We also thank them for generously helping arrange the collaborative exhibition venue. Their dedication to bridging generational divides has made this project far more impactful than we could have achieved alone. We are equally thankful to the older residents of Lamma Island, who generously shared their stories, wisdom, and time.

For those interested in learning more about the community on Lamma Island, the Hans Andersen Club has published two picture books titled Journey with Warmth and Homes of Dreams. They were created together with Lamma residents of all ages, introducing the island’s unique customs and iconic landmarks through insightful stories. For secondary school students who are interested in the picture books, you can sign up for a chance to get a copy using the link below: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=13710091

Life story videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5nCZ6XORtSFgwr4xlC_rOaxNut1Isj72

Micro modules: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5nCZ6XORtSE3TKHhqQySq94wSv6X1ffl

Production team

• Student Research Assistants: Kwok Tin Chun, Ng Hoi Chun Matthew, and Koon Hoi Ching
• Research Assistant: Leung Yuen Tung

Project Supervisors: Dr. Kent Lee and Dr. Chris Ho