A SIMPLE floral arrangement class in a community hall brought colour, conversation and joy to residents of 1Razak Mansion in Kuala Lumpur.
Fifteen participants aged 50 to 93 took part in the two-hour workshop at the apartment building off Jalan Sungai Besi in Salak South.
Working with cheery chrysanthemums and delicate daisies, many of them were initially unsure how to start, but with patient guidance from florist Tan Bee Lee, their confidence grew.
She went from person to person, showing them how to cut stems at an angle and layer the flowers for a full look.
What began as tentative snipping and arranging soon turned into focused effort, with participants comparing designs and taking pride in their work.
“I felt very excited as this was my first time learning flower decoration,” said Amy Lee, 60.
“I heard many of the participants were also first-timers. I hope we can have more programmes like this, more often.”
An 81-year-old participant, who only wished to be identified as Kong, said, “This was my first time. I am happy to join such a workshop, especially with my neighbours.”
The workshop was jointly organised by Faye’s Florist and Gifts located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and non-governmental organisation Family Keepers Joy Centre alongside 1Razak Mansion management corporation (MC).
MC chairman Anthony Tan said the workshop was part of ongoing efforts to foster a more active and connected community.
“The response was very encouraging. We are looking at making it a regular programme,” he said, adding that even small activities could bring a community together.
“We have been introducing more community-based activities to keep residents engaged, from karaoke and tai chi to zumba, cooking classes and health screenings,” said Tan.
“We also have food forest activities and traditional Chinese medicine services, so there is something for everyone.”
The session ended with lunch.
