Mentorship X Co-housing Reality Show in Shui Hau Village

Project Team

Leader: Au Wing Hay Kani (AIRI Fellow)

Background and Introduction

The growing elderly population is putting pressure on countries to provide adequate care, and Hong Kong’s rural villages are feeling the impact. ageing population. The Lantau Conservation Fund (LCF) was established in 2018 by the government to promote conservation and local improvement works, and the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society initiated a natural habitat management project in Shui Hau village with LCF funding. However, the ageing population poses challenges in hiring local workers for the project. Sustainable senior care and support services in rural areas are crucial for Lantau’s future.

The project “Mentorship X Co-housing Reality Show in Shui Hau Village” intends to attract young people back to the villages by developing a mentorship scheme combined with a co-housing reality show. This program will invite both local villagers and outsiders to live in Shui Hau for at least six months, forming intergenerational groups to promote community building. Local villagers and NGOs will mentor the participants, helping them learn different skills. The program will be filmed as a reality show to promote the village and the program itself. The proposed mentorship and co-housing scheme can promote sustainable senior care and support services in rural areas, protect natural resources, and promote environmental conservation. The program can also revitalize the local economy and promote sustainable development, fostering a more resilient and sustainable community that is better equipped to tackle future challenges.

Project Site

Shui Hau, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Proposed Project Actions and Deliverables

• Establish a project team: The team will consist of representatives from the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society and other relevant stakeholders to oversee planning and implementation of the mentorship and co-housing scheme.
• Identify potential participants: Identify through various methods, including outreach to local universities and colleges, social media campaigns, and targeted advertising.
• Develop a mentorship program and a co-housing program: The mentorship program will pair local villagers with program participants to teach different skills. NGOs working on conservation/social works will also be mentors. The co-housing program will provide accommodation and access to basic amenities like water, electricity, and internet connection to promote intergenerational living and foster a sense of community.
• Film a reality show: The reality show will be broadcasted on YouTube channel and on social media platforms to showcase participants’ daily lives, highlight the skills they learn, and document their interactions with local villagers for promotion.
• Monitor and evaluate the program: Regular monitoring and evaluation will be conducted to assess the program's effectiveness, with feedback from participants, mentors, and local villagers.