HKMU's first service-learning trip to Africa – A group of students who won the Service-Learning Challenge: Make a Difference in your Community! 2023/2024 travelled to Uganda, Africa, at the end of July for a 14-day trip.

During the trip, HKMU students visited two primary schools and one secondary school to provide voluntary teaching and support the “Keep a Girl to School” team. They served a total of 1,670 students and distributed 4,168 sets of sanitary products to help female students stay in school.

The students planned and conducted all teaching activities, including designing content and preparing materials. Apart from activities centered around Hong Kong culture, students also shared remarkable stories of women in Hong Kong to inspire local female students to build confidence.

In addition to voluntary teaching, HKMU students also carried out a renovation project at a local primary school in the slums. The school suffers from flooding and crumbling walls. To improve the learning environment, the students fundraised for renovations before leaving and spent three days painting the school.

2023/24年都大首個服務學習比賽共有11隊學生設計並實踐不同領域的社會服務工作。其中的得獎學生代表於2024年7月出發前往非洲烏干達進行十四日服務學習之旅。

是次旅程中，學生共到訪了兩所小學和一所中學，為當地學校提供義教並協助「讓女孩上學去」團隊，他們共服務了1,670名學生，並分發了4,168套衛生用品，讓當地女學生可以繼續上學。

參與的學生代表需要親自策劃服務圑的內容，包括設計課程及準備義教教材。課程内容除了提及香港的習俗文化外，學生更分享了香港女性的傑出故事，以激勵當地女學生建立信心。

除了義教外，學生還為受到洪水侵襲並有牆壁脫落問題的貧民窟小學進行了翻新工程。學生在出發前先進行了維修工程的籌款，其後更在當地用了三天的時間親歷親為進行翻新。

“I am grateful for the chance to witness the strength and resilience of the African people, and I am committed to bringing these lessons back home to inspire positive change in my community.”

My first impression of Africa was that it had a positive atmosphere, although most of them did not have a basic standard of living. Through different documentaries, I knew they needed some help. This is the reason I wanted to participate in the trip. Be a part of it, and I look forward to helping them. I was profoundly impressed by the resilience and optimism of the people despite the evident challenges they faced daily. Their warmth and hospitality left a deep impression on me.

During the service trip, we had different categories of activities. For instance, baby centre, teaching in primary and secondary schools, visiting single mothers’ neighbourhoods, and doing construction work for a primary school. These experiences provided valuable insights and opportunities to contribute to the community directly.

The most remarkable aspect of the trip was the construction work. Initially, I underestimated the effort required to paint the walls. I vividly recall the head of the construction team, who taught me with great patience. I realized this might be my only opportunity for hands-on work, prompting me to question why he was so meticulous in his instruction. Although I was exhausted from the experience, I observed how carefully he painted, ensuring all lines were perfectly aligned at eye level. This shifted my perspective; I learned that while every task may be challenging, it is important to be willing to try. I became grateful for his guidance and committed to working harder in this volunteer role.

After the service trip, I will have greater respect for everyone who works hard, regardless of their job or income. In my fast-paced hometown of Hong Kong, making money is the top priority. For many Africans, happiness comes from their attitude toward life, not just financial success.

The service trip to Africa has been transformative, challenging my assumptions and broadening my perspective. I am grateful for the chance to witness the strength and resilience of the African people, and I am committed to bringing these lessons back home to inspire positive change in my community.