Konger CIC’s year-long project is helping people explore their cultural roots through a series of intergenerational workshops.
Feedback from participants has shaped the programme, making sure that it reflects what’s most meaningful to the community.
Throughout the year it’s hosted family-oriented events which have been run in English and Cantonese, creating opportunities to pass on heritage skills and practices to the next generation. Activities have included:
- a Mid-Autumn Reunion Festival where participants shared mooncakes and crafted lanterns
- a Lunar New Year banquet that brought community members together to celebrate festive customs and prepare traditional dishes such tangyuan and poon choi
- Chinese calligraphy and traditional character writing workshops
The project is also training volunteers in interviewing skills to collect the personal stories of older community members. These oral histories will record memories of life in Hong Kong, experiences of migrating to the UK and reflections on keeping traditions alive in a new place.
Chun Chow, Director of Konger CIC, said: “For many Hongkongers who have made Manchester their new home, staying connected to our heritage is incredibly important. This project has created a space where different generations can come together, share memories and traditions, and pass them on to younger people. We’ve been especially encouraged by how many people have volunteered and taken an active role, showing that our heritage continues to bring the community together.”
