In multicultural communities, many senior migrants have lifelong hobbies and skills. However, as they adjust to new languages, surroundings, and social groups, these talents often slowly fade away.
Calligraphy is one such art form. At Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC), however, these once-silenced strokes are coming back to life.
Mr Lai, born in Singapore, is a retired technical teacher who found his love for calligraphy as a young man. He used to be part of a local calligraphy group, and even after moving to Australia, he travelled back and forth to attend exhibitions. For Mr Lai, calligraphy was always important. But after moving overseas, with fewer peers and learning spaces, he wondered if he could keep his passion alive.
Luckily, Mr Lai found a new place at the CWCC Willetton Community Hub that encouraged him to start calligraphy again. Now, he volunteers every week to teach other seniors, continuing his lifelong passion. “I truly enjoy the interaction,” he shares, “and I find joy in watching others improve.” At CWCC, Mr Lai has found a sense of achievement in teaching and has reconnected with his own purpose.
He is not the only one. The calligraphy classes at CWCC are now full of seniors who have rediscovered their love for the art. One of them is Mr Yan, a volunteer teacher who remembered his skills after hearing about the Evergreen College program at CWCC. He teaches and also encourages others to join.
“Calligraphy is great for hand and mind coordination, which is especially helpful for seniors,” says Mr Yan. “Even more, the atmosphere here is welcoming. No one feels judged for how well they write.” This supportive setting gives hesitant seniors the confidence to try. For example, Ms Huang’s hands used to shake when she wrote, but with regular practice, her focus improved, and her hands became steadier.
Before joining CWCC, Ms Lin had always wanted to learn Chinese calligraphy. For years, it was just a dream. Now, with weekly classes at the Willetton Community Hub, she enjoys peaceful moments and a steady rhythm in her life, with a special place to follow her passion.
At CWCC, calligraphy is more than just an art form. It acts as a bridge, showing the rich life stories of migrant seniors and helping them move from being care recipients to sharing knowledge and leading in culture. With each careful brushstroke, they keep traditions alive and connect with others.
If you have ever had to pause a hobby due to life changes, or if you want a warm, welcoming place where you feel understood and accepted, CWCC’s community hubs invite you to join.
