Your experiences of delving into the past

Not all the heritage detective stories were published on the Young Post front page, but all teams showed they learned a lot from their projects. The interview process was a novelty for many. Approaching strangers and asking them to talk about their lives was exciting and challenging, and allowed them to build up their confidence. Engaging with elderly people was also full of surprises.

Some heritage detectives rediscovered their neighbourhoods, others learned about their grandparents' past and understood them better. A few of the team members shared their impressions.

Energetic Detectives, Leung Shek Chee College

Natalie Tam Po-yee: I learned more about my grandmother's old lifestyle in Kwun Tong after interviewing her. Although she had few facilities, she never gave up. However difficult things are, we must be determined but flexible.

Cherry Cheung Pui-yu: Some of the elderly I met yearn for old Kwun Tong - the factories where they worked and the dai pai dong where they had lunch.

Generation X, St Mark's School

Lam In-tan: It was a challenge to find someone to interview, but we finally succeeded and that impressed me.

Lau Ching-yee: At first, I thought this was just another school project, but we found an interesting topic and interviewee. It was a great experience.

The Vintage, Good Hope School

Christy Wong: Heritage is not just architecture, but the spirit and values of a place. Attitudes towards heritage conser vation can change its fate.

Hilda Leung: Tai O's friendly residents and trusting relationships deeply impressed me. The residents keep their doors open and chat with their neighbours. No quarrels, no rushing, no tension - I see Tai O as a little utopia.

Explorers, Sha Tin Government Secondary School

Mandy Cheng Hoi-man: Listening to the elderly recall their childhood memories helped me understand why our parents and grandparents cherish those old-fashioned comics, songs and radio programmes.

Nicole Chan Tsz-on: Our parents' games were so simple and they could play with others while having fun, making friends and being with family.

Loyalty Team, Holy Carpenter Secondary School

Chun Ho-yan: During the interview I conducted, I learned a new skill - how to film a video. I thought it was so funny! The project I took part in was a real challenge for me. The experience I had was really precious and meaningful. Based on the knowledge I gained and the skills I picked up during this assignment, I believe that I will perform even better in my next project.

Retro, Sha Tin Government Secondary School

Lydia Sung Leong-ying: I used to believe that picking wild fruit, playing with vines and using your bare hands to catch fish only happened in stories. But after interviewing the elderly, I discovered it really happened.

Yoyo Tang Lok-yiu: Yi-mui taught me that the world is wonderful if we feel it. I thank him for advising me to look at trees, flowers and animals.

History Lovers, Wa Ying College

Wynne Chan Wing-yue: Through this project I got the chance to explore the history of Tai O. I also got some first-hand information that you cannot find on the internet.

Althea Suen: This was not my first time in Tai O, but it was the first time I sat down and listened to the story of a Tai O resident. I found out it was not that difficult to talk to an elderly person after I interviewed one.