There is a growing trend for promoting inter-generation integration and building an elderly-friendly community. However, prejudices still blind us sometimes. Therefore, YWCA Ellen Li District Elderly Community Centre launched a programme to let the old meets the young, hoping to break the stereotypes by encouraging interaction. 

The original plan was to provide training for the elderly and let them host tours within the North District. However, the pandemic made it difficult and hence participants came up with the video plan. Tin Ka Ping Secondary School was invited to join the programme so that students could help elderly who lacked filming experience. The participants worked together to conceive the plot of the videos and gather information. They also had classes on filming and editing. At last, they created 4 videos introducing Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, Former Fanling Magistracy, the new and old Luen Wo Market, and the making of Hakka glutinous rice cakes.

Although the elderly were not able to show people the North District in person, they were excited about learning new skills. They enjoyed working with the teenagers and being amazed by their creativity. The students had thought of the elderly as a group of needy with limited ability. Yet, they were surprised that the quality of the videos were much better than expected. They were also impressed by the elders’ vitality and never-say-no attitude. 

The programme was funded by Jockey Club Generation Connect Project, which also supported the development of “North District’s Guide”, a mobile application that provides tours, attractions and traffic information about the district.