Starting in late September, the Balcatta Community Hub of Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) began offering a new jewellery appreciation class by Evergreen College. The class, held every Wednesday, has become popular with seniors, who can admire rare and precious gems, hear from experts, and enjoy the beautiful jewellery on display.
Mr Li Hongjun, an 89-year-old client of CWCC, leads this unique class for jewellery enthusiasts. Each week, he shares selections from his personal collection and visual references to make the sessions engaging and informative. Real-time Cantonese translation is provided by CWCC’s support workers to ensure that everyone can enjoy and benefit from the class, regardless of their language.
In a recent session, Mr Li discussed different types of jewellery, principles of appreciation, and the tools needed for evaluation. He also delved into the topic of opals, capturing the attention of many seniors. Some admitted they had never heard of opals before and were fascinated by their rich history and striking aesthetic.
The class also showcased other rare and beautiful pieces, including turquoise, jade, coloured gemstones, huanghuali wood, and rhino horn. Each item came with its own story, shared by Mr Li in a way that mesmerised the audience. Mrs Le, a Vietnamese participant, expressed her excitement: “After learning all this, I’ll never just browse jewellery stores casually again—I’ll be appreciating every fine detail!”
Mr Li has a postgraduate degree from China Agricultural University, specialising in soil and fertiliser studies. He has extensive experience at the National Fertiliser Quality Supervision Centre within the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. His interest in jewellery stems from his family and years of dedicated research, giving him a wealth of knowledge in fine jewellery.
The creation of this class is a testament to CWCC’s commitment to nurturing the talents of its clients. Recognising Mr Li’s vast expertise and eagerness to share, CWCC staff worked with him to turn his passion into a course that now enriches the lives of other seniors. A devoted participant in CWCC’s storytelling classes, Mr Li, embodies Evergreen College’s ethos of lifelong learning. When asked about his motivation for leading the jewellery appreciation class, Mr Li smiled and said, “CWCC feels like home to me, and I’m proud to contribute to this family.” CWCC hopes that Evergreen College will continue to breathe new life into the senior community, promoting personal growth and community spirit.
Whether you’re keen to explore the world of jewellery or are interested in other exciting courses, Evergreen College at CWCC is the perfect place to keep learning, stay active, and connect with others in a supportive and welcoming environment.
