Meeting in Hong Kong, August 2018

Practical information

For 5 days young adults from all over the world will meet in North-east Asia, where the aspiration for peace and the need for reconciliation is ever growing. Together, we will seek paths of hope and seek to renew our commitment toward making our world a better place for all.

Pilgrimage of Trust and Reconciliation

Dates

From Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 August 2018

Arrival: Wednesday between 9 am and 5 pm in the city centre.
Departure: Sunday from 2 pm onwards from local parishes.

Early arrival: If you are coming from far, it is advisable to arrive in Hong Kong several days early in order to acclimatize and be able then to participate fully in the meeting. You can organise your arrival before August 8th. If you need assistance, please contact us well in advance. We may be able to find simple accommodation for several nights before the meeting begins.

Age

18-35 years (group leaders bringing young people can be over 35. 17 year-olds can come if they are accompanied by someone 20 or older.)

Accommodation

In families, religious communities and schools (please bring your own sleeping bag and mat).

Passport and visa

Please check in advance about the formalities of entry to Hong Kong. Information is available at the following site: http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html (see part 2).

Registration fee

Includes accommodation, meals and solidarity contribution.

Those from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Macao, Singapore, Brunei, Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand: 100 USD (working adults over 29 years of age: 150 USD)
Other countries: 80 USD (working adults over 29 years of age: 120 USD)

Transportation costs will depend on your accommodation place and how often you travel. For 5 days, calculate a maximum of about 50 USD. An “Octopus” transport card can be purchased upon arrival in HK.

For those from HK who do not need an accommodation:

Young people up to 29 years of age: with meals 300 HKD / without meals 100 HKD
Working adults over 29 years of age: with meals 450 HKD / without meals 150 HKD

Payment can be made upon arrival by cash. Groups can also pay in advance by bank transfer.

Medical needs

Bring whatever medication you may need with you. Check with your doctor before leaving to be sure you are in good health and that you have the basic medication necessary for travel.

Insurance

It is advisable to have travel health insurance.

Special dietary needs

If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us. We may not be able to attend to all special needs, but we will try our best!

Clothing

August is very hot and humid in Hong Kong. Indoor areas however (churches, schools as well as subways) are air-conditioned. Do not forget to bring a sweater or a shawl as the contrast in temperature can be extreme. (We also ask everyone to wear suitable clothing in the prayer areas. During summer, even if bare shoulders or very short shorts may be acceptable in some cultures, they may shock in others.)

Musical instruments

If you play an instrument and wish to do so in the common prayers, please inform the welcome team in advance.

Visiting Hong Kong

We ask all participants in the meeting to take part fully in the programme of prayers and activities from arrival until departure. To pick and choose (for example in order to organize excursions during the program) has adverse effects on the overall spirit of such a meeting. Coming to the Hong Kong meeting is therefore a commitment. Others will be counting on you. Visiting the city or nearby sites can best be done before or after the meeting.

Preparing for the meeting is extremely important, for example by attending common prayers with songs from Taizé organized near where you live, or by taking part in a preparation meeting before coming to Hong Kong.

It’s good to bring a Bible.

Programme

Common prayer will be held three times a day in the local churches. Reflection and silence, meeting in small groups with those from other places and backgrounds, workshops on themes related to faith, social commitment, culture and art.

Silence retreat

There will be possibilities offered for spending more time in silence.
Separate (collective) accommodation in the city outskirts, with breakfast and morning prayer, Bible introduction by a brother followed by personal silence. Afternoon workshops and evening prayer in the city centre with other participants. Limited places.

Volunteering (arrival two days early)

If you want to help with various task (for example in welcoming participants, organizing meal distribution, translating, preparing the prayer areas), arrival on Monday 6 August between 11 am and 5 pm. Participation fee is the same as for those arriving on 8 August.
1. Music / choir: assisting for the common prayer with instrument or by singing.
2. Practical work

Registration

It’s possible to register online until 15 June 2018.

If you know someone who plans to organize a group for the meeting, please ask them to contact us as soon as possible: hk2018 taize.fr
Further news and information about the preparation in Hong Kong will be posted on Facebook "Taizé Hong Kong".