This is a story of friendship with an age gap of close to seventy years.
Yuk Ying porpor and Matt first met in 2019 at their first ACE Academy lesson. One day before their class, Yuk Ying was in a bad mood and decided not to attend class.
Before she left the class area the students arrived. Matt ran quickly towards Yuk Ying smiling and waving to her. Matt’s big smile melted Yuk Ying’s heart and she changed her mind. Time flew by, soon the lessons came to an end. Friends and family members joined the elders and students to celebrate their graduation, Yuk Ying was excited to tell Matt’s mum all the fun times they had together. At the end, they cheerfully said goodbye expecting to continue their class together in the next term.
The plan was halted by COVID when schools and elderly homes were closed. One day, Matt and his mum passed by an elderly home. Matt recognised that was where Yuk Ying lived! Though he could not visit her, he decided to make a special card and mail it to Yuk Ying.
The first card was lost and never reached Yuk Ying. On his second try, he worked with his mum to make a new card and a video on the card making process. When Mr Wong, the welfare service assistant in the elderly home, showed the video to Yuk Ying, she was overjoyed and burst into tears. Yuk Ying missed Matt too! When the card finally arrived by mail, Mr Wong arranged a video call for Yuk Ying to open it with Matt. They were thrilled to be re-connected in this unexpected way!
“I was so moved to receive Matt’s card. I felt his genuine care and concern. Matt has been on my mind ever since I met him! His chubby face looks just like my son when he was young.” – Yuk Ying
“I enjoyed learning with her and creating together! I was scared when visiting the elderly home for the first time. But after knowing Yuk Ying porpor, I am not scared anymore. She is so kind and cares about me a lot.” – Matt
“It’s the best gift for Matt! When Matt’s first card was lost, he was very disappointed and also felt a sense of failure. I encourage him that every failure is practice for future success. This mission has helped Matt to become more positive and adaptable.” – Mrs Woo (Matt’s mum)
“The students have magical powers. Their smiles break down lots of barriers, the elders are irresistibly drawn to befriend them.” – Mr Wong