Hosay Live Workshop: A Values-Based Approach to Senior Empowerment

At NRCS, we've always believed that our

programs should do more than just fill time—they should enrich lives. Recently, our senior members shared valuable feedback with us. They expressed a desire for more meaningful engagement and opportunities for personal expression, rather than the traditional activity-based, top-down sessions where they often remained passive spectators. This insight inspired us to rethink our approach and create something truly impactful.

Together with our program partner, ECF Holy Word, we developed "Hosay Live"—a workshop designed to be different. Centered around values such as self-esteem, emotional regulation, and community, the program offers a fun and interactive environment where seniors are not just participants but the heart of the experience. Our goal was to foster an atmosphere where they could form lasting bonds, engage in deep conversations about their fond memories, dreams, and aspirations, and, most importantly, find space to process their experiences.

One aspect that sets "Hosay Live" apart is the emphasis on processing. We deliberately included time in each session for seniors to reflect on their learning, encouraging them to articulate their thoughts through sharing or writing. This approach helps them internalize the lessons and builds confidence in expressing themselves.

Each session begins with us introducing a concept—perhaps about self-worth or emotional well-being—through inspirational stories or visuals. But rather than lecturing, we engage the seniors in games and activities that bring these concepts to life in tangible ways. Afterwards, we facilitate group discussions where participants can share their experiences and insights. To ensure everyone feels personally engaged, each small group is accompanied by a volunteer facilitator who stays with them throughout all six sessions. This consistency helps forge strong relationships over the weeks.

The energy before each session is electric. The room buzzes with chatter and laughter as seniors eagerly anticipate the day's activities. It's a level of enthusiasm that's rare in typical senior programs. One memorable moment was during our session on emotional regulation, where we introduced meditative breathing exercises. Many seniors shared that they had been diligently practising these techniques daily, demonstrating that the lessons extended beyond the classroom.

Another profound impact was seen in discussions about self-worth. Some participants opened up about how the workshop helped them rethink their perceptions of ageing and limitations. They spoke of experiencing breakthroughs in their thinking, realizing that their value doesn't diminish with age but can, in fact, grow as they continue to contribute to their communities and families.

Unlike many programs where seniors might feel like spectators, "Hosay Live" ensures they are active participants in their own growth journey. By incorporating personal reflection and expression, we're not just teaching values—we're living them. This high-touch, values-based approach has enabled our seniors to build connections that will last far beyond the workshop itself.

The true success of "Hosay Live" lies in the transformations we've witnessed. Seniors have gained a renewed sense of purpose, belonging, and capability. They've discovered new ways to express themselves and have formed deeper bonds with their peers.

As we look to the future, we're excited about the potential to expand programs like this. We've seen firsthand how, when given the opportunity to engage deeply and meaningfully, seniors can continue to grow and thrive. We invite our supporters and donors to join us in this journey. By backing initiatives like "Hosay Live," you're not just funding a program—you're enriching lives and strengthening our community.