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Exploring the Globe and Giving Back: CUHK Students’ Overseas Service Learning during the Christmas Break

In September 2023, the Student Experience and Development Section (SEDS) launched the Leadership Enhancement And Development (LEAD) Programme, an innovative initiative combining service-learning opportunities and global exposure. It is designed to nurture students with a strong sense of social responsibility, cultural appreciation, and global citizenship to become future leaders. Over 1,500+ service recipients, in turn, have benefitted from improved living standards and a deeper understanding of Hong Kong culture and youth.

40 students formed 3 teams committed to community service projects in South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Prior to their two-week overseas tours, the student participants attended 5 training sessions to enhance their generic skills, leadership competencies, goal setting, team-building, and knowledge of cultural perspectives. In addition, there were 3 pre-departure meetings to support student in their readiness and risk management for their tour in the less developed countries.

After 3 months of training and preparation, the teams departed for their service tour during the Christmas and New Year period. Their services focused on addressing issues related to poverty, hunger, quality education and gender equality issues, and contributed to community rehabilitation. Upon their return, post-tour debriefings and sharing sessions provided platforms for student to reflect on their experiences and solidifying their personal growth.

Sharing by Students

CHEUNG Ho Wai, Lincoln, Year 2 student of Bachelor of Science in Gerontology (One of the Leaders of the Sri Lanka group)

“As an introvert, I rarely raise my voice, but the LEAD programme marked a significant turning point for me. This was a true testament to the power of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the development.”

CHOW Chit, Chloe, Year 4 student of Bachelor of Chinese Medicine (One of the Leaders of the Nepal group)

“After my two-week journey to Nepal, I have come to understand myself better. I discovered my preferred leadership style and that was participative leadership. Not being dominant, but working alongside my partners, allowing others to speak up, and co-leading with a shared vision. This is the leadership I aspire to embody.”

40 students received a series of leadership training, to prepare for a two-week long service trip to Sri Lanka, Nepal and South Africa. The students were given the opportunity to meet with the local host organisations to learn about the local culture and be involved in the planning of the community service before their tours.
Before departure, our OSA staff member conducted the final briefing at the airport to support students’ readiness and risk management for their tours in third-world countries.
Students actively engaged in the local community voluntary work in South Africa, including volunteering teaching, social rehabilitation, and food aid service, etc.
Student participants conducted voluntary teaching in Nepal to the local students. During the journey, students learnt not just teamwork, but also built friendships with the locals.
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