Understanding Our
Community
Introduction to understanding a community
Warm-up activity
Your overall impression on the community where you live:
What are the special features and characteristics of the community?
Where are the landmarks and famous sites in the community?
What do you think about living in the community?
What do you like about the community?
Local features
…………………………………………………………………..
and
…………………………………………………………………..
characteristics
…………………………………………………………………..
Landmarks and
Famous sites
Life in the
community
…………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………..
What I feel good …………………………………………………………………..
about the
…………………………………………………………………..
community
…………………………………………………………………..
Can you locate your
community from the map?
The community where I
live/study is in Hong Kong
Island / Kowloon / The
New Territories. It is
located in the
northern/eastern/southern
/western part of Hong
Kong.
Do you know….?
There are 18 administration districts in Hong Kong. Each district has a district council
and is divided into constituency areas. You may find out more about each district from
the official websites of District Council (http://www.districtcouncils.gov.hk) and Home
Affairs Bureau (http://www.hab.gov.hk/).
A. Geographical characteristics and surroundings
Activity 1
What are unique physical features in your community?
Do you notice any special natural settings and built features around you?
Collect photos and pictures of the best scenic spots of your community.




Community snapshots
Things to see and do





Do you know….?
Home Affairs Bureau has a website on the local
characteristics and attractions of 18 districts.
Hong Kong Fun in 18 districts
http://www.gohk.gov.hk/eng/about/index.html

Activity 2
Community Walk：Using the chosen scenic spots in Activity 1, plan an itinerary
that shows the best of your community with your group members. You need
to :
1. Arrange the route of the itinerary.
2. Give information e.g. what to see and do;
transportation, entrance fee, etc.
Hopping around in
Consider a theme for people
who have special interests:

a family for fun

cultural heritage lover

nature walker
 historical heritage
B. Population in the community
Activity 1
Refer to the recent report of 2006 Population By-census
(http://www.bycensus2006.gov.hk), complete the tables with the population
information of your home district.
Proportion of population
(Aged 65 and over)
Hong Kong
12.4%
My home
district
Proportion of population
(Aged under 15)
Hong Kong
13.7%
My home district
Proportion of population
(Aged 15 - 64)
Hong Kong
73.9%
My home district
Summary of the comparison:
1. My home district has higher / lower
2.
3.
proportion of the elderly..
What might be their needs and how can we help ?
1.
2.
3.
Activity 2
From the information below, what do you think about the trends of Hong Kong
population?
“The New Territories will have faster rate of population growth than both
Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.”
“Between 2005 and 2015, the proportion of land-based Hong Kong resident
Population aged 15-64 and those aged 65 and over will increase, whereas the
population aged 0-14 will reduce.”
From “Planning Department (2005) Salient point in Projections of Population Distribution 2006-2015,
Which area will have faster rate of population growth?
What is the trend of population change in those aged below 15?
What is the trend of population change in those aged between 15 – 64?
What is the trend of population change in those aged 65 or above?
Do you know….?
Which of the government department is responsible for collecting statistical data of
population in Hong Kong? The Census and Statistics Department conducts
census (every 10 years) and by-census (in the middle of two censuses) to update
the population information. The information is particularly useful to understand the
socio-economic development of Hong Kong and to facilitate research, discussion,
planning and decision-making within the government and in the community.
To find out census information and population change over the past 10 years, you
may visit the official website of the Census and Statistics Department:
(http://www.censtatd.gov.hk/)
How about your community?
How do you think the population will change in 10 years?
Visit http://www.bycensus2006.gov.hk, complete the tables with the population
information of your home district.
(Aged under 15)
Hong Kong
Home
district
Proportion of Population (Aged 15-64)
2001
16.5%
20
2006
13.7%
15
Your observations:
1)
2001
10
2006
5
0
There is more/less proportion of population
Hong Kong
in 0-14 age group in my home district when
Home district
compared to whole of Hong Kong.
2)
There will be a/an increase / decrease in this
age group in my home district.
(Aged 15 - 64)
Proportion of Population (Aged 15-64)
Hong Kong
Home
district
74.5
74
73.5
73
72.5
72
71.5
2001
72.3%
2001
2006
73.9%
2006
Your observations:
3) There is more/less proportion of population
Hong Kong
Home district
in age group 15 – 64 in my home district when
compared to whole of Hong Kong.
4) There will be a/an increase / decrease in
this age group in my home district.
(Aged 65 and
above)
Hong Kong
2001
11.1%
2006
12.4%
Home
Proportion of Population (Aged over 64)
district
12.5
12
11.5
11
Your observations:
5)
10
There is more/less proportion of population
in 65 or above age group in my home district
when compared to whole of Hong Kong.
6)
10.5
There will be a/an increase / decrease in this
age group in my home district.
Hong Kong
Home district
2001
2006
Activity 3
Using the recent census data (Appendix A – Census data 2006), find out the following
population characteristics of your community. Then compare them with the data of
Hong Kong.
Median Monthly Domestic
Household Income
Hong Kong
HK$17250
My home district
Median Monthly Domestic
Household Rent
Hong Kong
HK$1677
My home district
Labour force participation rate
Hong Kong
60.3%
My home district
In what ways the above data are useful to understand the socio-economic
development of your community?
Which economic status / group would be more common among the people in the
community?
lower-income group/ middle-income group / higher income group
Which type of housing would be more common for the majority of the people in the
community?
lower-quality private housing / public housing / higher-quality private housing
C.
Community features and planning
Activity 1
What are the main features of the government's city planning in the community?
Work with group members and collect information about the following characteristics
of the community.
Most of our classmates and friends live in the district. The places
they live are residential areas.
Various types of housing can be observed in the residential areas. Some are
privately-owned and some are public housing. I live
in…………………………………………………………………………, where most
housing are mostly privately-owned / public housing.
A comprehensive, accessible and district-connected road system is
important to a community because it helps to connect the people to the
other communities.
Transportation is easy in this district.
The best way to get to our district is by ……………………………………
If you want to go around in our community, you may
take ……………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………
Quality community life needs adequate community facilities and a healthy
living environment. Social services can be accessed when we are in need.
Tell how long it takes from where you live to the following:
Social facilities
The nearest public library………........minutes by……………………………...
The nearest police station……………minutes by……………………………..
The nearest public hospital…………..minutes by…………………………….
The nearest fire station………………..minutes by…………………………….
Other available social facilities:
There
are lots of interesting places to go, both indoor and outdoor.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
You should not miss the places below:
Examples of heritage buildings that tell our community history and culture:
……………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………….….


Activity 2
What is your overall impression of your home district? Is it a comfortable environment
to you? Evaluate your home district with the indicators below:
Features and Characteristics
district
Housing
Transport



in good order and well maintained
accessible recreational facilities
available supporting services to the
needy (e.g. elderly, disable?)


a variety of public transport
safe, well-facilitated road network
for people and traffic
frequent transportation commutes
between other areas / districts

Job
opportunity
Recreational
facilities



low unemployment rate
a variety of occupation types
accessible information in the job
market for people with
employment difficulties.

accessible to various recreational
facility types
facilities in good condition
assistance available by operators


Open Space
Public
facilities



damage-free and green open area
meeting places available for people
adequate buffer between roads and
building blocks

services provided for personal,
family and social needs and
development
meet the needs of people and bring
the well-being of the community

Environment
and sanitary
condition



streets and public places at
acceptable hygienic standard
available of waste-disposal and
waste-collection for recycle
rare pollution
Rating
4
3
2
1
Summary of the community facilities assessment
What make me feel good about my community are:
1…………………………………………………………………………
2…………………………………………………………………………
The following areas have to be improved for better living
environment:
1………………………………………………………………………
2………………………………………………………………………
…
Community development
Work individually - Choose 3 community problems and prioritise the problems
that call for public attention.
Environment
Individual
Housing
Transport
Job
Recreational
opportunities
facilities
Open space
Public
facilities
& Sanitary
Condition
Discuss among your group members; work out a group decision on the 3
community problems that call for actions.
Environment
Housing
Transport
Group
Job
Recreational
opportunities
facilities
Open space
Public
facilities
& Sanitary
Condition
From the report of decision made by each group, what are the 3 areas for
improvement concerned by your class? Give examples or evidence to support
your group discussion.
Environment
Housing
Class
Job
Recreational
opportunities
facilities
Transport
Public
Open space
& Sanitary
facilities
Condition
Area for improvement 1:
Supporting information (example / evidence):
Which government department should you contact?
Area for improvement 2:
Supporting information (example / evidence):
Which government department should you contact?
Area for improvement 3:
Supporting information (example / evidence):
Which government department should you contact?
Activity 3
Local developments
Visit the website of “Take Me Home” www.takemehome.com.hk”, a local
district-based newspaper. Find out a recent development project related to your
community.
The following guidelines help you to read through the information:
What is the issue?
Political / economic / social / environmental
What is the existing problem in the community?
Why is it an issue / a problem that arouses concerns?
What are the different points of views to the issue?
Who support? Who oppose?
How are they different in their stand points?
Are what they said fact or opinion?
Any evidence or factual information to support their
sayings?
How can the problem / issue be solved?
(Refer to the proposals and suggestions)
Evaluate how different proposals will change our living
conditions and environment.
Who will benefit? How would their life be improved?
Event/Issue
Why
Why did it
happen?
Who
What
Who support?
What caused it?
Who oppose?
What impacts did
it have?
Where
How
Where did it takes
How to solve it?
place?
When
HAVE MY SAY
What I have read is………………
What I think is…………………
What I care about is………………
What I suggest is………………….
D. Economic activities and our living environment
Activity 1
Take a record on your daily consumption and you will get to know how economic
activities in the community supply what you need for daily life.
Day 1
Date:
Shop name
Day 2
Type of shop
What did you buy?
Type of shop
What did you buy?
Type of shop
What did you buy?
Date:
Shop name
Day 3
Date:
Shop name
Products
&
services
clothing
groceries
dining
entertainment
No. of
visits
The District Council has decided to run a flea market and invites people to
run small booths in the market.
What kind of shops / products do you want to see in the flea market?
Why is such a shop needed? How does it make your life more convenient /
give more variety in the community?
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
Activity 2
Local economy in the community
There are a variety of economic activities in different areas in a community.
Can you give examples on each of the following? Tell how the activities bring
about the advantages / disadvantages on our living environment.
Economic Activities in the Community
shopping areas
e.g. stationery shop
commercial areas
e.g. banks
industrial areas
e.g. XXX industrial
building
How these activities affect our life in the community
advantages
disadvantages
How would our community be different without these activities
shopping areas
Commercial areas
Industrial areas
E. Culture and nature
Activity 1
Community Origin
Which of the statements below appropriately describe(s) your community? Color the
grid box(es) with appropriate descriptions.
Its name has been
Its name was
The government
It was named after
used for more than
given when the
took the name of
a famous person /
150 years.
British came into
the village as the
place / physical
rule of Hong Kong.
name of the larger
feature / event.
area as a whole.
The community
The community
This area was
This area is under
was first formed by
was first formed by
established by the
development
the early settlers
the early settlers
government with
project for urban
from the mainland
from other parts of
good town
planning.
of China.
Hong Kong.
planning.
There are colonial
There are
There are natural
There are urban
landmarks or
traditional and
scenic and wildlife
built-up features
features.
cultural landmarks
features.
showing the various
or features.
stages of social
development.
This area once
This area is
There is a
The roles and
served significant
significant in term
development
functions of this
roles in political,
of its role(s) in
project which sets
place are under
social and
political, social and
up new roles and
consultation on
economic
economic
functions in the
future development.
development.
development.
area.
About its name:
The name is originated in
Evidence / Examples:
About its early settlement:
The early settlement was from
Evidence / Examples:
About its landmarks and features:
There are special landmarks and features in our community:
Evidence / Examples
About land use and function:
This area is mainly used for:
Evidence / Examples
Activity 2
Community heritage
Source 1
舊的建築物，有它的歷史，有它的獨特故事，有它的文化，有它的承傳。重要的是能夠
從這些陳年的石屎磚頭間，提煉出它的內在精神，價值及回憶，再以活化的現代手法，
注入新的生命，從新演繹。這才是給予過去一點的尊重，這才是我們可以付予將來的一
點承擔。資料來源
<都市日報: 都市微觀 - 創意工廠時代的來臨, 何志平> 2006.11.22
Source 2
Source 3
There are various types of
In a place of rapid economic development,
historic buildings in Hong Kong,
heritage conservation was often neglected.
of both Chinese and Western
Many beautiful historical buildings were pulled
styles. They are unique
down for redevelopment, not only by private
landmarks of our city. Historic
owners, but also by the government. In our
buildings reflect our cultural
countryside, large areas of greeneries and
identity and mark the
historical settlements are turned into open
continuation of our traditions.
storages or 3-storeyed Spanish-style village
They are also living history,
houses, all unsympathetic with the rural
closely related to our daily lives
environment.
and should therefore be
preserved properly.
Source: Ho, Betty (2000). Achieving heritage conservation in
sustainable development. The Conservancy Association
http://www.conservancy.org.hk/articles/docs/20000510e.pdf
Source: Antiquities and Monuments Office
(2006), Foreword in “Heritage Hong Kong”.
Issue 17
Source 4
Many officials never care about our feelings towards to a district. They never ask whether
there will be anything left to give us the feeling of “roots”. said William Tang (鄧達智), local
renowned fashion designer.
Source: Student Standard, “The cost of redevelopment” Nov 10, 2006.
Source 5
Read “Living history”, (from South China Morning Post 2007-01-24), to get to know how
other people think about the relationship between people, heritage and community
development.
Discuss:
Referring to sources 1 and 2, what are the values of historic buildings?
Can you give one example of a historical building that reflects our “cultural identity”
and one that marks the “continuation of our tradition”?
Referring to source 3, what are the threats to the historical buildings in Hong Kong?
Whom should be blamed for creating the threats to those buildings?
How does William Tang’s idea of “the feeling of roots” (source 4) relate to the values
mentioned in sources 1 and 2?
In what way we can express “feeling of roots” (source 4) and “love in these places”
(source 5) to community?
Which source(s) sound more pessimistic towards heritage conservation in Hong
Kong?
Activity 3
Local community characters
Discuss:
What do you like about where you live? What are the positive aspects? What buildings
mean the most to you?
Also, is there any site of significant heritage importance in your community? How
have these buildings given you “the feeling of roots”? Do you want any conservation
action taken to preserve your “love” and “memory” of these building?
Here are some ideas and suggestions:
Religious (e.g. churches and temples, etc)
Commercial Activity (e.g. shops with special characteristics etc.)
Housing / social service centre (e.g. privately-own, premises owned / managed
by government or non- government organizations etc.)
Natural Environment (e.g. scenes, parks, coastline etc.)
What do you like about where you live?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Which buildings mean the most to you?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
How have these buildings given you “the feeling of roots”?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
What is the significant heritage importance to your community?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Tell one of your most impressed events/ moments about the building.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Interview one of classmates on his/her favourite place in the community.
The best of my community
………………………………(place) in the eyes of .………………………(name)
The best part of the community:.........................................
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
The place where you spend most of your time:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
What do you usually do there?
Why is it an interest place to go?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
How does the place differ from
that of in the past ?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………..…………………………………………………….
Is there any change or improvement do you want to see
in future? Why?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
F. Community needs and supports
Activity 1
Visit one of the community centres (government or non-government) and introduce:
the services they provide
the target group(s)
how the services meet the needs of the target group
the organization responsible for running the centre / providing services
address and contact of the centre / website of the centre and the organization
collect a leaflet / information sheet about a service of the centre
Activity 2
People in need
The 9 cases below show there are people in need in a community. Identify their
needs and suggest local organizations, government and non-government, that might
offer assistance to them.
Case A
My two younger
brothers will come to
join our family from the
Mainland. I am afraid
they might not get used
to the distinct lifestyle in
Hong Kong.
Case B
My grandma is 78 years
old. She is extremely
healthy and energetic.
Recently, she is looking
for a place where she
can spend time on
recreational activities
with people of her age.
Case C
My daddy was a chef in
a café. Recently, he is
thinking about getting a
job as a security guard.
He thinks he needs
more job information
and job training.
Case D
My friend complains
about his unhappy
school life and poor
peer relationship.
Case E
I have just been offered
a part-time job in a bank
but I need to take care
of my 3-year-old
daughter.
Case F
Ka-lok studies in Form
one but he seems not
interested in
participating school’s
activities. It is heard that
he has to help his family
to collect cans and tins,
and he has no extra
money for activities.
Case H
Case I
Khan, a local-born Thai,
is a primary six student
who speaks very well
Thai, English and
Cantonese. But he can’t
read and write Chinese.
He would like to make
friends with local teens
and study with local
school children.
Case G
“Hung zai” lost his jobs
since the SARS period
and still fails to get a
job. He’s got no job, no
money, and no place to
stay.
“Lam Pak”, 68-year-old,
runs a 50-ft shop and
repairs watches and sells
assembles for watches.
His tiny shop is located at
the ground floor, beside
the staircase of the
building. He receives a
removal notice due to
redevelopment of this
area.
Case
What kind of social services do they
Who can provide supporting
need?
services?
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Do you know….?
Social Welfare Department provides core welfare services such as social
security, medical social services and etc. There are supporting services for
elders, young people, people with disabilities and offenders.
The department also works closely with other non-government organizations in
providing supporting services to the needy.
G. Local developments and community actions
Activity 1
Community Action Alert
Collect and choose a publication (e.g. poster / notice / leaflets etc.) showing the
recent community actions (e.g. tasks / projects/ activity / campaign etc.)
achieved by district council members / social organizations / political
organizations.
Fight for
Against
Demand
Our concern
Support
Urge for
What is the taken action? Why is it important to our community? What is/are the
objective(s) and goal(s) of the action?
How does the action meet the local community needs?
Who are the target groups that will benefit from the action?
Roles and views
Who?(Group / title)
Attitudes towards the issue
(support / against)
What did he/she say?
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Who?(Group / title)
Attitudes towards the issue
(support / against)
What did he/she say?
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Who?(Group / title)
Attitudes towards the issue
(support / against)
What did he/she say?
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Who?(Group / title)
Attitudes towards the issue
(support / against)
What did he/she say?
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Who?(Group / title)
Attitudes towards the issue
(support / against)
What did he/she say?
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Who?(Group / title)
Attitudes towards the issue
(support / against)
What did he/she say?
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Activity 2
Working in groups, prepare a meeting with residents of your
community. Assign each group member a role to represent
people with different interests in the issue / the problem. Be
ready to explain to the residents:
1. the issue / the problem
2. reasons why it raises the residents’ concern
3. suggestions to the issue or the problem
Pre
Role
Your views
Any evidence / information / data / photos that support your views?
Role
Your views
Any evidence / information / data / photos that support your views?
Role
Your views
Any evidence / information / data / photos that support your views?
Role
Your views
Any evidence / information / data / photos that support your views?
Role
Your views
Any evidence / information / data / photos that support your views?
Activity 3
Working in groups, carry out a small-scale survey and interview students of another
class (about 30 – 40) to collect their views about the issue. Tell what they really think
about the issue.
Part One – Background information
What is the issue?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
What are the problems aroused from the issue?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
What do they think about the suggestions to the issue?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Part Two – The design of the survey
A survey on
The survey aims at finding out views and opinions from
class
about the impacts on the living
environment brought by the issue of
.
Q1.
Q2.
Q3.
Q4.
Q5.
Q6.
Q7.
Q8.








Q9.
Q10.


Other comments and opinions:
…………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………......
Thank you for your feedback
Consider the rating
scale that fits your
questionnaire:
For consensus:
strongly
agree/agree/
disagree/strongly
disagree
For appropriateness:
most
appropriate/appropri
ate
Inappropriate/
most inappropriate
For frequency:
always/ sometimes/
rarely/ never
You may consider
other rating scales
that may fit your
questionnaire.
Part Three – Reporting the findings
Question:
The findings show:
Question:
The findings show:
Question:
The findings show:
Question:
The findings show:
Question:
The findings show:
Question:
The findings show:
Question:
The findings show:
Question:
The findings show:
Question:
The findings show:
Question:
The findings show:
Appendix A – Census Data 2006
District Council Districts
Median Monthly
Median Monthly
Labour Force
Domestic
Domestic
Participation
Household Income Household Rent (1)
Rate (%)
(HK$)
(HK$)
Hong Kong Island
Central and Western
26,250
6,500
64.7
Wan Chai
27,500
7,500
64.0
Eastern
21,705
2,180
61.0
Southern
21,000
1,500
61.4
Sub-total
23,000
3,000
62.2
Yau Tsim Mong
17,500
3,900
61.7
Sham Shui Po
13,500
1,680
55.5
Kowloon City
20,000
2,500
60.4
Wong Tai Sin
14,250
1,598
55.9
Kwun Tong
14,050
1,610
56.4
Sub-total
15,035
1,760
57.6
Kwai Tsing
14,500
1,561
57.2
Tsuen Wan
20,000
1,860
62.6
Tuen Mun
15,000
1,032
61.1
Yuen Long
14,810
1,450
60.7
North
16,000
1,325
60.1
Tai Po
18,000
1,350
61.8
Sha Tin
19,320
1,535
61.9
Sai Kung
21,000
1,900
65.8
Islands
16,410
2,250
59.3
Sub-total
17,000
1,499
61.2
Land total
17,260
1,677
60.3
plus: Marine
10,000
N.A.
72.7
Whole territory
17,250
1,677
60.3
Kowloon
New Territories
N.A. stands for not applicable
Source :
2006 Population By-census Office,
Census and Statistics Department
(Enquiry telephone no. : 2716 8025)
Last review date: 22 February, 2007