A smiling farewell — to commemorate Kariser Stationery and Toys, a beloved shop closing down
at Wah Fu Estate after more than 40 years, the Caritas team arranges for photographers to
capture memories of the twogeneration shop, its owners and loyal customers.
Constructed in the 1960s, Wah Fu Estate takes pride in being Hong Kong's first public housing estate developed with the concept of a 'town centre'. Located at Pok Fu Lam in Southern District, it is relatively quiet, yet has good
access to various amenities. Young families were attracted to Wah Fu, forming close-knit relationships over the decades they lived there, with strong friendships and a strong sense of community. Whether they still live there or have
moved away, residents continue to feel a deep connection to Wah Fu.
However, structural problems have been occurring in the buildings. Redevelopment plans for Wah Fu started at the beginning of the millennium, and residents are set to be relocated in three phases from 2026–2035. Caritas – Hong Kong (Caritas), based in nearby Aberdeen, sees the years preceding relocation as an opportune time for community work. Since 2022, PCD and Caritas have been discussing ways to increase community resilience in this transition. We have been stressing the importance of the sense of belonging and the unique community culture.
Caritas started with outreach. Their team found that even though the redevelopment will affect more than 20,000 residents, people's needs are not well understood. They are concerned that Wah Fu's community culture and networks are at threat of disintegration.
In 2023, Caritas mapped community relationships and resident needs. They established Wah Fu Living House, a community base designed to be down-to-earth, open, like a lounge. Living House has become a trusted public space for residents to relax and meet, to enjoy a range of activities and to become aware of their living community culture. In one activity, Stories of Stuff, residents displayed personal objects, sharing the poignant stories behind them. Children also joined activities through Playright Children's Play Association. They played outside at the estate podium, making it convenient for kids to join in and play together. This brought back memories for parents who had once played in Wah Fu's public spaces. Caritas also worked with social work students from Saint Francis University who interviewed shop owners and published their stories in Wah Fu Zine. Locals have appreciated the publication. It's often in their hands when they share their own stories at outreach activities and at Living House.
At the Caritas 'mobile playground' day at the podium outside Wah Fu Living House,
families play in the public area, bringing a lively atmosphere back to the community.
One community guide who is deeply attached to Wah Fu, designed a community map in the shape of
a soy sauce bottle as a way to hold onto a childhood memory of helping his mother buy soy sauce.
Residents enrich their stories of Wah Fu through displaying personal items,
such as primary school reports. Visitors are intrigued, and many conversations follow.
Experienced community workers have also trained local Wah Fu guides who have designed routes based on their lived experience. Through discovering community themes, planning routes, and piloting and leading tours, the guides have gained confidence in public speaking and have become motivated to participate in community affairs. One guide who had moved out of the estate remains devoted to Wah Fu. He purchased props for the tour out of his own pocket, such as a newspaper from the 1960s when the estate was built. He made illustrations to recreate the old shops, even creating a community map in the shape of a soy sauce bottle! It was a way to honour a boyhood experience of wandering around the neighbourhood after his mother had sent him to buy soy sauce. The community guides have created rich stories of local Wah Fu culture, sharing them with outsiders as well as fellow residents of all ages. Everyone loves stories. And stories bring people closer — several guides are friends now.
All this work has created a foundation for stronger community networks and a stronger sense of identity. In the future, we hope to further explore the relationships between culture and community development, fostering a sense of belonging among residents for mutual support during relocation. We also hope to spark reflection and imagination on community development in the context of demolition and development.