Deafblind members participated in community activities – Entering the Community, Realizing Social Inclusion

Deafblind members were invited to participate in public events recently, showcasing their talents. First, at the invitation of Soul Alliance, deafblind members attended the "World Blessing Day: A journey to an everlasting childhood” held on February 22 at the Kwun Tong Promenade Vessel. During the event, deafblind balloon artists taught and created a variety of modelling balloons, from a one-meter giant sunflower to charming small animal balloons, bringing joy and laughter to participants of all ages.

 
Next, they received an invitation from Culture Heir Hong Kong to take part in decoration of a community event, “Ap Lei Chau Hung Shing Culture Festival 2025" from 2 to 17 March 2025. Under the guidance of the Chan Sing Workshop, deafblind members collaborated with visual art students from the Buddhist Sum Heung Lam Memorial College to craft decorations to the large Hong Kong flower board used in the festival. The craft of making Hong Kong flower boards is a unique intangible cultural heritage, boasting nearly a century of history. It is also the first traditional craft to be included in the "Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Database", symbolizing blessings for celebrations such as grand openings, celebrating deities’ birthdays, temple festivals, weddings, etc.

To deepen the members’ understanding of this traditional craft, this exhibited flower board integrated innovative elements by presenting the words "Social Inclusion" in a three-dimensional format. This approach breaks away from conventional writing or flat printing, allowing deafblind members to engage with the tactile experience and jointly continue Hong Kong's traditional culture alongside secondary school students, while fully showcasing the charm of local folk craftsmanship and its significant meaning.

These community activities not only allowed deafblind members to feel the community's support but also fostered interactions with other groups, achieving true social inclusion.