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Rediscovering Kuk Po: A Journey Through Time
Project Category
Research Activities on Countryside Conservation & Revitalisation
Oral History Documentary, Illustration and Design for Kuk Po: “Re-connect Kuk Po: The Past, Present and Future Sustainability”
Proponent:
School of Design of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Site:
Kuk Po
Project Description
The project team ventured into Kuk Po, engaging in community building. From initially knowing only two village representatives, they established connections with dozens of villagers to collect oral histories and gather precious stories and photos from both local and overseas villagers for historical research. The community publication "Kuk Post!" combines research findings to recreate Kuk Po's century-long history. Illustrations and text in the publication allow readers to savour the changes in Kuk Po, bringing Kuk Po's stories to Hong Kong and the world, and also bringing everyone into Kuk Po to revitalise the community.
Grant Approved
HK$2,995,940
Project Duration
01/10/2021-31/07/2023
How To Get There
1 | Minibus + Hiking |
• Take green minibus No. 56K from Fanling MTR Station to Luk Keng, then hike for about 45 minutes to Kuk Po
• Reference Route: Luk Keng → Kai Kuk Shue Ha → Fung Hang → Kuk Po
Project Outcome
• Successfully connected local and overseas villagers to collect oral history of Kuk Po.
• 3 editions of magazine ‘Kuk Post!’ were published, featuring illustrations highlighting Kuk Po's culture and festival, showcasing oral history gathered through the project and contributions from local villagers.
• Organise exhibitions and public activities to raise public awareness of Kuk Po.
Project Website & Social Media Platform
Project Video
The Kuk Po documentary tells the story of Kuk Po villagers facing migration and the revitalisation of their village, using 30 years of footage to contrast with today's scenes and reshape Kuk Po's history. Kuk Po was once a thriving village, known for its golden reed landscapes and unique ancient mansions. Following waves of migration, villagers scattered across various countries and now only a few households remain in the village. Mahpee Ng, the documentary director engaged with over 50 villagers, exploring the perspectives of Hakka women, the younger generation and historical viewpoints to understand how to preserve the cultural assets and highlight the uniqueness of Kuk Po.
Time flies but memories remain. Kuk Po, a village in Sha Tau Kok, once had a population exceeding 500. Kai Choi School, the only local school, provided primary education to over 100 students. However, as villagers migrated or relocated to urban areas, the school closed in 1994. In July 2022, the project team, along with other dedicated group, invited alumni of Kai Choi School to return to their old school. Together with the last principal, Mr. HO, they sang the Kai Choi School song, filling Kuk Po with its melodies once again after 30 years.
