Newsflash

Love at So Uk Estate -
A Collective Remembrance from the Residents

In 2006, the Housing Authority has decided to resettle the residents of So Uk Estate in two phases: 2008 and 2011. So Uk Estate, with its history of 47 years will be removed soon. In order to consolidate the memorable experiences of So Uk residents and the people of Hong Kong, a number of social work agencies worked together. These agencies consisted of HKCS, YMCA, Salvation Army and the Design Department from the Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute. With a grant of $100,000 from the Shamshuipo District Committee, the agencies organized the "Love at So Uk" Art Scheme.

The scheme included a number of activities, one of which was an exhibition that combined the professionalism of both social work and design. Design teachers and students used the exhibition format to express the uniqueness of this Hong Kong housing estate through information and materials supplied by t he residents. The exhibit took place from 28 September through 13 October in So Uk's Azalea House and was free to the public.

Another activity got the young people involved. 130 youths were mobilized to visit more than 100 elderly residents with cards and gifts that they have created especially for them. They also collected old photographs and objects of historical value for the exhibit Harby's Troupe, a team of young performers with their teachers from Shamshuipo's Happy Teen Club put together a drama based on the stories they gathered from the old residents, who were also invited to act out in the play. The play, "So Uk Tidbits", took place in August and was an excellent way for people to relive the good old days. On top of all this, a Mid-Autumn Festival Evening Celebration was held inside the estate to celebrate the joy of reunion on that special day.