Study Buddy (Explorer): Hong Kong’s “aunties” find a place in a children’s book – YP

(2) A new book, My very special auntis told from a child’s perspective. The book celebrates the cultural diversity and creative talent of the migrant domestic worker community. But what makes My Extra-Special Aunty special is that it is the first children’s book illustrated by migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. The book includes scenes from the city, the Philippines, Indonesia and beyond, depicted by artists Cristina Cayat and Noemi Caballero Manguerra.

(3) The book was written by award-winning British filmmaker Joanna Bowers. Her aim was to capture the special bond between Hong Kong families and their “aunties.” “By sharing this enchanting story,” she says, “we hope to inspire children and families to build meaningful connections that transcend boundaries.”

(4) This is not the first time Bowers has examined the lives of foreign domestic helpers in the city. Her 2017 documentary, The helperexplored the challenges and maternal sacrifices of the city’s helpers, who clean, cook and care for a minimum wage of HK$4,870 a month, the majority of which is sent home to support their families.

(5) This may seem paltry to some Hong Kong residents, but it is more than most aid workers would earn in their home countries. “As much as The helper “was a great collaboration that changed people’s perceptions of aunts, but it wasn’t appropriate for younger children,” says Bowers. “So I thought, why don’t Guhit Kulay and I do something together that reaches these children?”

(6) Guhit Kulay International is a collective of self-taught Filipino migrant artists living in Hong Kong. Cayat and Manguerra are both founding members of the association. “Being from the northern Philippines, I wanted to bring my culture into this book by using traditional design and clothing,” says Cayat. “It’s the perfect vehicle to start a conversation and inspire young readers to appreciate other cultures and better understand their aunties.”

(7) My very special aunt is available in both English and Traditional Chinese. All proceeds from book sales and events go to local charities Enrich HK and PathFinders Hong Kong.

Source: South China Morning Post, May 12

Questions

1. According to paragraph 1, where do most domestic helpers in Hong Kong come from?

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2. The illustrations in My Extra-Special Aunty were drawn by in accordance with paragraph 2.

A. Children of migrant workers

B. Migrant workers

C. Toddlers

D. None of the above

3. Decide whether the following statements in paragraphs 1 and 2 are true or false.

or the information is not given. Fill in only ONE circle for each statement. (4 points)
(I) My very special aunt is aimed at young adults.
(iii) The book contains over 100 illustrations.
(iii) Many of the domestic helpers in Hong Kong have small children themselves.
(iv) The book contains scenes from several regions.

4. According to paragraph 4, where does the majority of the income of domestic helpers go?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What activities do domestic helpers perform under paragraph 4?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What does “it” refer to in the first sentence of paragraph 5?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Find a word in paragraph 5 that means “very little.”

_____________________________

8th. In paragraph 6, Cayat wants to use her work to…

A. Promoting traditional clothing design

B. encourage other aspiring self-taught artists

C. bring together a group of Filipino artists from Hong Kong

D. arouse young readers’ interest in learning about and talking about other cultures

9. In how many languages ​​is My very special aunt available, in accordance with paragraph

7?

___________________________________________________

Cristina Cayat (from left), Joanna Bowers and Noemi Manguerra designed the children’s book “My Extra-Special Aunty”. Photo: Handout

Answer

1. the Philippines and Indonesia
2. B
(iii) F; (iii) NG; (iii) T; (iv) T
4. They send most of their earnings home to support their families.
5. They clean, cook and take care of others.
6. The minimum wage for domestic workers is HK$4,870 per month (accept all similar answers)
7. poor
8th. D
9. two