Iftikhar, Aasera Aidah

Through our service-learning course, storytelling emerged as a profound tool for empathy and understanding. It allowed us to connect deeply with the refugees in Hong Kong, a community often shrouded in misconception and prejudice. These weren’t just “refugees”. They were people with names, families, favourite dishes, and jokes to share. They had to leave their homes, not because they wanted to, but because staying wasn't safe anymore. I realised they were more than their struggles; they laughed and dreamed just like the rest of us. Each story shared was a piece of the puzzle of who they were, and with every piece, my understanding grew. Storytelling helps us understand each other better, especially when it comes to people from different backgrounds. In this course, we used storytelling as a bridge between the local Hong Kong community and the refugees living here.

Before I got involved in this, I thought I knew about refugees, but really, I had only a vague idea, mostly from what I saw in the news or heard people say. I had worked with one refugee, but I didn’t want to ask him a bunch of questions. Getting to know them firsthand through Christian Action’s Centre for Refugees was an eye-opener. It was like stepping into a whole new world, one where they had left everything behind and were trying to build a new life in Hong Kong. Refugees shared heartfelt stories of leaving their entire world behind in hopes of a fresh start in Hong Kong. These narratives painted a vivid picture of their struggles, from navigating legal complexities to overcoming language barriers and finding employment. The emotional weight of their journeys was far beyond my previous comprehension, and the storytelling sessions allowed me to see them not just as refugees, but as individuals with hopes and dreams.

I genuinely believe we made a difference in our storytelling workshops. We helped remind these kids that their past, their roots, are something to be proud of, not to be forgotten. We achieved our learning goals: understanding different cultures, recognising diverse backgrounds, and promoting cultural exchange. It was heartening to see them opening up, getting comfortable, and participating actively. It was like watching walls crumble as they became more and more relaxed with each workshop. We created a safe space where they could freely express themselves. By the end of our workshops, we had not only achieved our learning outcomes but had fostered a sense of community and mutual respect. We as participants from Hong Kong expressed a newfound appreciation for the cultural richness refugees brought with them, while refugees felt more seen and heard than before. Our workshops evolved into platforms for dialogue, learning, and connection. Through storytelling, we sought to humanise the refugee experience, shifting perceptions from distant sympathy to close-knit empathy.

The long-term impact of these workshops on the refugee participants, I believe, will be deeply rooted in the sense of dignity and validation they received— a validation of their identities and experiences. For the local students, the transformation in their understanding and attitudes could have a lasting effect on how Hong Kong as a society integrates and supports refugees. This project has sown seeds of empathy and social cohesion that have the potential to grow into systemic change and a more inclusive community. I believe the long-term consequences of our service will become evident over time.

What was the most challenging part of this experience? It was trying to imagine myself in refugees’ shoes. I had always thought my upbringing was tough, but hearing their stories, it was a reality check. It made me realise how lucky I am. It was like trying to see a different colour – you can’t truly do it until it’s right in front of you. These people have lived through situations that would make my worst day look like a walk in the park. It made me realise how grateful I should be for the life I have. The best part was seeing everyone opening up about their lives. It was like watching a sunrise - slow at first, then all at once. It was a beautiful sight, and it left a lasting impression on me.

If I have to talk about a specific incident, there was this one time when a refugee woman shared her story of being discriminated against while taking the MTR. I felt a mix of sorrow and admiration. It was a punch-in-the-gut moment. But it also made me admire her courage and determination. At that moment, I was flooded with a mix of emotions—guilt for my previous ignorance, sadness for her pain, and frustration at my inability to make any change. This experience taught me the importance of empathy and the value of listening. It was a lesson in humility and courage: while I cannot change someone’s past, I can contribute to a more hopeful future by being an active and compassionate listener.

There was this other time when a middle-aged refugee talked about his role as a journalist who was trying to expose truths and defend human rights. His story made me feel a lot - sadness, admiration, gratitude, and respect. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. I realised the vast disparity between our lives. Yes, I had faced difficulties, but nothing close to what he had endured. This experience shattered my preconceived notions and made me reevaluate my own challenges. It taught me the importance of perspective and the profound resilience of the human spirit. Moving forward, I will carry this lesson with me, applying a broader perspective when addressing the challenges in my own life and in the lives of others. I learned that, in the future, I need to be more sensitive and understanding towards others’ life experiences. It showed me how validation and recognition can elevate an individual’s sense of worth and belonging. I learned the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe to express themselves. I will apply this understanding to foster environments that encourage sharing and growth, recognising that each person’s story adds value to the collective human experience.

And the most rewarding experience? That would be our carefully designed workshop on different cultures. Our workshop was designed to be an intersection of cultures, a bridge between the local and the refugee communities. Everyone was sharing, laughing, and for a moment, it felt like we were all one big family. It was a testament to the power of storytelling - it had brought us all together. It was a reminder that at the core, we are all humans, irrespective of our backgrounds or experiences. In the future, I will continue to use storytelling as a tool to bridge gaps and build connections.

This service-learning experience highlighted the importance of creating platforms where individuals from marginalised communities can share their stories and passions. It demonstrated the transformative effect of a supportive community on an individual’s self-expression. I learned that acknowledging and celebrating each person’s story is vital to fostering a sense of belonging and confidence. In the future, I will strive to replicate such environments, recognising the unparalleled value of encouraging self-expression and the celebration of diverse cultures.

This service-learning course wasn’t just about helping refugees. It was about learning, growing, and understanding. It was about tearing down walls and building bridges. It was about becoming better people. It was a journey of significant personal growth and community engagement. It underscored the transformative power of storytelling, the necessity of empathy in addressing social issues, and the enduring impact of cultural exchange. The insights and experiences gained have profoundly influenced my perception and actions, urging me to contribute to diverse communities with an informed and compassionate approach. It was a testament to the safe space we collectively created.

In weaving our stories together, we don’t just share words; we share worlds.

Writer's Bio:

My name is Aidah, a final-year psychology student at SPEED, currently pursuing a certificate program to become a certified teacher. I took the service-learning course, “Storytelling for Understanding: Refugee Children in Hong Kong” in the 2023-2024 academic year. One of my proudest achievements during my studies has been rediscovering my ability to write, a skill that brings me back to my childhood passion for crafting short stories. While academic writing often felt rigid, this assignment allowed me to reconnect with my creative voice. Through this process, I also gained deeper insights into a community I previously knew little about, broadening my views and deepening my understanding. My approach to this assignment was quite intuitive—I trusted my instincts and let my words flow, embracing the freedom to express my authentic self. This experience has reminded me of the power of vulnerability in storytelling and the joy of learning through personal connection.