Two Hongkongers in the UK, Norrica and Opal, initially struggled with fear of speaking English, often staying at home. Even when they gathered the courage to go out alone without relying on their children, unexpected passenger announcements on public transport would leave them panicked and unsure of what to do. Were they destined to stay home, doing housework, picking up their grandchildren from school, and watching Hong Kong TV shows? Did moving to the UK mean giving up on discovering their own “Me Time”?

Determined not to live in self-imposed isolation, Norrica and Opal joined a free English class organized by Trafford Hongkongers CIC. The Hongkonger instructors understood that traditional English teaching methods might not quickly improve their communication skills. How could they add creativity and design an “alternative” course to help?

To integrate into the local community, Norrica took a bold step and joined a crochet class. Faced with a strong-willed British instructor who insisted on full English conversations in class, would Norrica persevere or give up?