MU Connect issue 9 (page 14 to 15)

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Service-learning from Hong Kong to Africa

The Student Affairs Office has been running service-learning programmes for a good number of years, and in September 2023, it stepped up by launching the University's first-ever programme combining service-learning with a social practice competition. Titled “Service-Learning Challenge: Make a Difference in Your Community! 2023/2024”, the year-long programme brought some 40 students together to devise campaigns addressing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the ground up. The reward for the winning teams was a service-learning trip to Africa in the summer!

Local service challenge

The Challenge began with training and experiential activities designed to gear students up. Next, the students split into teams according to issues that spoke to their minds. Putting their heads together, they came up with seven service projects in the areas of mental health, elderly care, environmental conservation and upcycling, and held various workshops and outreach activities over the next few months. In January 2024, their efforts were showcased in an interactive exhibition held on campus, which also served as an opportunity for them to recruit more volunteers. The exhibition attracted over 500 HKMU staff and students.

The winners were decided in a final project presentation held in February 2024. They were:

Serving Ugandan students

Held in July 2024, the prize trip to Uganda, Africa, proved to be an unforgettable experience that extended the winning teams' service horizons overseas. The winning teams spent 14 days in two primary schools and one secondary school, where they served as voluntary teachers to 1,670 students. In addition to planning and conducting all teaching activities, one focus of their teaching service was to encourage girls to stay at school. To do so, they distributed 4,168 sets of sanitary products to female students in support of Watoto's “Keep a Girl in School” project, and shared with them remarkable stories of women in Hong Kong.

The teams also took part in a renovation project at a local primary school in the slums, which was hard hit by floods and had crumbling walls. Before departing for Africa, they had raised funds for the project. During the trip, they helped repaint the school walls over three days.

Hallie Wong Wang-hei

Environmental Science and Green Management

The real reward was learning about positive thinking from the Ugandans. Initially, I saw them as simple and cheerful; but as we met more people, I realised their behaviour belies many challenges. They deal with unemployment, gender discrimination, traffic jams and corruption, but still choose positivity to improve their lives. They are full of dreams and plans for the future.

Joyce Choi Sze-nga

Environmental Science and Green Management

The most remarkable aspect of the trip was the construction work. I vividly recall the head of the construction team, who taught me with great patience. Although I was exhausted from the experience, I observed how carefully he painted, ensuring all lines were perfectly aligned at the eye level. I will have greater respect for everyone who works hard, regardless of their job or income.

Alex Fan Shing-chit

Nursing (General Health Care)

I was amazed when I first entered the classroom — it was similar in size to those in Hong Kong, but packed with about 110 students! The students were incredibly motivated and eager to learn despite the cramped space. Their enthusiasm was impressive, even without personal desks. This experience made me appreciate my own learning environment.