Learning Together: The Joyful Journey of Our Parent Cantonese Class

The desire to connect is a powerful thing. For the parents of students in our children's learning programme, it sparked a new adventure: the chance to learn Cantonese themselves, not only for their own enrichment but to better support their children's journey with the language. As we wrap up the second semester of our Parent Cantonese Class, we are filled with pride for this wonderful group.

Building a Foundation, Word by Word

This semester, we welcomed a group of enthusiastic and dedicated parents. Their commitment shone through in every lesson as we explored the essentials of "survival Cantonese"—practical words and phrases for daily life in Hong Kong. We also demystified the art of written Chinese, guiding them through the elegant logic of character structures and stroke order, and introducing them to modern tools to help them type and learn.

The Unstoppable Pen and Other Moments of Joy

Beyond the practical skills, something truly magical happened. We noticed a profound passion for writing Chinese characters. Once the parents started practising, it was genuinely hard to get them to stop! This enthusiasm was a beautiful testament to their deep desire to embrace the language and culture.

The final class was a true celebration of their progress, capped off with a fantastic Jeopardy game designed by our wonderful interns. But perhaps the most rewarding moment was seeing the parents' faces light up as they successfully typed their first short sentences in Chinese on WhatsAppusing TypeDuck. That look of pride and satisfaction was simply unforgettable.

A Ripple Effect of Learning and Connection

When a parent learns, the whole family benefits. By equipping parents with Cantonese skills, we are not only enriching their lives but also empowering them to create a supportive learning environment at home. This class has been a fantastic success, and we are so excited to continue building on this momentum. It’s a beautiful reminder that by learning together, we can foster a more connected and inclusive community for everyone.