One People, One City

It's a lonely life if you're a woman living in a foreign country, unable to work, and without extended family members. That's the plight of many South Asian stay-at-home women in Hong Kong who follow the traditions of their mothers and grandmothers. These women are often housebound, lonely, bored and depressed.

Where there's a need in our community, we try to find a solution. The result of Christian Action's efforts to find a solution is proving to be a wonderful success.

Cooking is a common love among women of all nationalities, and learning to cook new dishes comes naturally.  We are seeing women who once stayed home, alone, now teaching others how to cook Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and even Chinese cuisine. Other activities include yoga, sewing, art and crafts, the occasional health talk, and excursions to interesting places.  

Bridges have been built between cultures; new friends have been made, and there is growth in the confidence and self esteem of women who were once depressed.

Because a variety of languages are spoken, English is the main medium of communication, but no one is excluded if their English isn’t up to scratch. The whole group quickly and inclusively facilitates translation. 

The celebration together of religious and cultural festivals is also building bridges. Diwali and Christmas were jointly celebrated, and the Christian and Hindu ladies recently celebrated the Muslim festival of Eid, and learned more about Muslim culture. In a spirit of unity, traditional dishes are always shared. 

On November 24^th and 25^th we will be building bridges on an even bigger scale. We are partnering with International Christian Assemblies for an event called ‘One People One City’. It is a celebration of diverse cultures in Hong Kong and it will raise funds to support our work with underprivileged families in Tin Shui Wai, known in Hong Kong as the ‘City of Sorrows’.   There are extremely talented performing artists among the many ethnic minorities living in Hong Kong so their talents will be showcased at the event. 

You'd be made very welcome, so I hope you can come and celebrate with us all.