Earlier this year, a group of Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) students participated in a meaningful initiative under the University's Life Education Ambassador Programme (the Programme) for 2024/2025. In a first-time collaboration with the Patient Resource Centre of Hong Kong Children's Hospital (the Centre), the students provided photography services for child patients and their families, capturing touching moments and deepening their reflection of the value of life.

This collaboration marked an expansion of the Programme's community service scope, which previously focused on the elderly and secondary school students. Supported by the Centre, on 19 February, 14 HKMU Life Education Ambassadors organised a photo-shooting event for 25 families of child patients. Using various props, the Ambassadors guided families in interacting and posing naturally, facilitating the capture of natural and affectionate moments.

The Ambassadors also led workshops, in which the children and their families wrote greeting cards, crafted origami roses and participated in diamond painting. These activities fostered a loving and caring atmosphere, allowing the participants to share heartfelt messages.

Carman Lo Ka-yee, a Year 4 student in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and one of the Life Education Ambassadors, found the experience profoundly moving “The parents, whose children face serious medical challenges, expressed a deep desire to cherish every moment with them,” she shared. “It reminded me that life is not just about the challenges we face, but also about the love and connections we nurture.” As a nursing student doing her practicum at the Hospital, she was inspired by the interaction between the parents and the child patients in the event to focus on creating meaningful experiences for herself and those she cares for.

Another Ambassador, Audrey Choi Tsz-king, a Year 1 student, also from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the event. “The lovely interactions among the participating family members taught me the importance of cherishing every moment with my family, helping me understand that life is short and that I should treasure every opportunity to explore what I enjoy,” she said.

Launched in the Autumn Semester of 2022, the Life Education Ambassador Programme aims to help undergraduate students explore life stages – birth, ageing, illness and death – while encouraging them to serve the community. After qualifying through an interview, the participants undergo training to understand their service targets and techniques. In addition to photography services for child patients, this year's ambassadors engaged in various activities, including life education workshops for secondary students and elderly photography sessions.

Through these initiatives, the Programme continues to inspire HKMU students to embrace the essence of life education while making a meaningful impact on the community.