For the 2023 Life-wide Learning Day, S1 students were divided into three groups and accompanied by teachers from Chinese History, History and Geography to visit Tai Hang, Tai O and Lai Chi Wo respectively. Through the activity, students learned about the development of Hong Kong as a society.
Chinese History Group – Tai Hang community
The first stop was the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Path and Fire Dragon Museum. Students learned about the origin and history of the fire dragon dance, which is a traditional practice of the Tai Hang community. The next stop was the Tin Hau Temple and Lin Fa Kung Temple, where students were introduced to the unique features of traditional Chinese architecture. They observed the intricate designs and decorations of the temples and learned about the cultural significance of these buildings. During the trip, students also had the opportunity to explore the streets of Tai Hang and examine the names of the streets. Through this exploration, students gained insights into the history of the Wan Chai district and the reclamation projects that have taken place over the years. Finally, students were given the chance to explore the Tai Hang community on their own. They discovered some unique features of the community, such as the small shops and street food vendors. Overall, the field trip was a great success. Students gained a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of Tai Hang while exploring the community and discovering its unique features.
History Group – Tai O village
The visit to Tai O village provided S1 students with an invaluable opportunity to learn about the local history and culture that shaped the development of this tiny but unique community in Hong Kong. It aimed to foster an appreciation for the local cultural heritage by exposing students to Tai O’s unique architecture such as the stilt-houses (棚屋) and temples, and traditions like the Dragon Boat Water Parade (遊涌). Through guided tours and first-hand experiences shared by residents (old fishermen) who live in the village, students gained a greater understanding of the significance of this tiny fishing village. Students enjoyed the field trip and felt that they gained valuable insights into the local history of Tai O and its cultural heritage. Some expressed an increased appreciation for the preservation of cultural heritage and said they would come and participate in the upcoming Dragon Boat Water Parade in June.
Geography – Lai Chi Wo village
Forty S1 students participated in a one-day educational tour of Lai Chi Wo village, one of the few traditional Hakka walled villages left in Hong Kong that still preserves its original layout. In the morning, eco-guides from the Conservancy Association led students on an enthralling walking tour through the Hakka village and explained the feng shui wood behind it. During the journey, students gathered a lot of interesting information about the unique layout of the village such as distinctive architectural features of the village houses, recent efforts to revitalize the community and farming activities at Lai Chi Wo.
In the afternoon, students got their hands dirty and helped prepare the land for farming (plowing, making ridges and furrows, and removing weeds such as Mikania micrantha). Through these hands-on tasks, they learned fundamental organic farming techniques and gained deeper insights into how sustainable farming methods enrich the soil and boost biodiversity.
Despite anticipated complaints about aching muscles, mosquito bites and shoes ruined by mud, most of the students found the trip enjoyable and meaningful. Many felt a great sense of satisfaction and achievement in clearing the fields from the killer vine Mikania micrantha. Some even claimed that they would cherish their food more to avoid wasting farmers’ hard work in the fields.
