To celebrate International Women’s Day, carry forward the traditional virtue of respecting the elderly, and enrich the cultural life of elderly women in the community, a creative handmade soap activity was warmly held at the Party-Mass Service Center of Fuchang Community, Dahua Subdistrict, Jinping District, Shantou on March 5, 2026. The event was co-organized by the community and the "Smart & Enjoy Technology" Task Force of Shantou University, inviting elderly residents to a fragrant spring gathering.

The activity began in a warm atmosphere. The host extended sincere festival greetings to the elderly participants and briefly introduced the purpose: to offer a joyful handmade experience while building a platform for neighborly warmth and intergenerational communication. Volunteers then distributed prepared materials including soap base, molds, dried flowers, and essential oils to everyone.

Before the making session, a volunteer explained in detail the principles, steps, and safety precautions of handmade soap production — from melting the soap base, arranging dried flowers, to mixing essential oils, coloring, and molding. The elderly listened attentively, eager to start creating.

Accompanied by the delicate scent of essential oils, the creative session officially began. With the patient help of volunteers, the elderly residents became "life artists", carefully selecting dried flowers for decoration and adding their favorite essential oils and colors. Volunteers assisted with heating, shared design ideas, and offered guidance throughout. Laughter filled the room as the fragrance of soap and flowers blended with warmth and respect.

After careful making, beautiful bouquets of handmade soap and unique soap candies took shape — some as crystal-clear as amber preserving flowers, others in soft colors with light fragrance. During the showcase and sharing session, the elderly proudly presented their works and exchanged creative ideas.

“I never knew making soap could be so fun and pretty with flowers inside! I’m so happy,” said Aunt Li, beaming with her handmade soap. Everyone admired each other’s creations, creating a lively and harmonious atmosphere.

At the end of the event, all participants took a group photo to freeze the precious memory. Smiling faces shone brightly beside the soap bouquets, showing timeless grace and radiance.

This activity not only enabled elderly women to learn practical handmade soap-making skills and gain happiness and a sense of achievement, but also built a bridge of communication between young volunteers and the elderly. It conveyed sincere care and festival blessings to senior women, rooted the virtues of respecting women and the elderly in the community, and fostered a warm, harmonious, and caring atmosphere.

Photos & Text: School of Engineering