Jamaican teacher embraces new life in SZ

Jamaican teacher Shawn Forbes encountered significant challenges when he first arrived in Wuhan, capital city of Central China’s Hubei Province.

“Without knowledge of the language and being relatively unfamiliar with anyone in Wuhan, as it was my first time there, I found myself isolated in my apartment for about four months,” Forbes recalled.

Upon learning of the tight-knit Jamaican community thriving in Shenzhen, Forbes decided to relocate to the vibrant city. “My people are here, and it is a pretty close-knit community,” Forbes recounted.

Forbes eventually moved to Shenzhen and began his career as an English teacher. He draws inspiration from the exuberance of the children he teaches. “It’s a pretty fun experience. I’ve learned a lot from observing the children here. It’s made me feel like I’m ready for fatherhood in a sense,” he shared.

Forbes (2nd R) teaches people to make their own paintings at a spraypainting workshop he hosted at Shuiwei’s Cultural Block 1368. Courtesy of Shawn Forbes

Besides his role as an educator, Forbes is also an artist. Preferring unconventional acrylic paints, he experiments with spray paint to capture vivid moments of imagination and his ongoing journey of discovery. One of his creations depicts a woman who embodies a sense of freedom, which invites viewers to connect with concepts of female empowerment and emancipation.

“It portrays a silhouette of a woman leaping into self-expression and freedom, surrounded by a boundless ocean inviting her exploration for self-discovery. The moon symbolizes enlightenment and personal growth,” Forbes said.

Enthralled by the diverse art forms prevalent in the city, Forbes is particularly captivated by the periodic appearance of intriguing sculptures in community parks. “It’s fascinating to witness the introduction of new and engaging artistic expressions through sculptures in Shenzhen’s local parks,” he remarked.

Speaking about his life in Shenzhen, the Jamaican teacher expressed his affection for the city. “I’ve never encountered any negativity from local Chinese people while being here, and I don’t know many foreigners who dislike the city.”