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。

“The service learning experience is a lifelong memory filled with unforgettable moments. The people in Africa are friendly and welcoming, helping me appreciate their country and positive attitude despite challenges.”

It was a memorable, fruitful, and meaningful journey to visit a country in Africa that I never imagined I would see. This trip was not just a vacation but an extraordinary service-learning experience that will leave unforgettable memories for a lifetime.

To start, we visited the slums and met two mothers, each facing challenges related to HIV and complex backgrounds. It was hard to believe I had the opportunity to go there. The experience highlighted the struggles faced by low-income people in the country. I was astonished to witness the authentic reality of their lives, including the harsh living conditions and overall quality of life.

The stories shared by the two ladies were heartbreaking. Their experiences and the challenges they overcame were almost unimaginable. Their resilience impressed me the most; they refused to give up despite their difficult circumstances. They were determined and persistent, actively seeking help for themselves. Our conversation was stunning and sorrowful, especially as I realized I couldn't help them in the long run. It made me reflect on how fortunate I am to have a complete family and not to worry about my basic needs apart from my studies. The way these ladies faced their hardships reminds me to stay strong. Instead of giving up, I should focus on finding solutions, as there is always a way forward.

We had an excellent opportunity to teach at a school. I was amazed when I first entered the classroom—it was similar in size to those in Hong Kong but 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. Speaking to such a large group was fun; they were curious about my Chinese name and signature. Feeling like a star was unforgettable.

I remember a girl asking me how to find strength to overcome hard times. I was surprised by her question. I told her about believing in oneself and having faith in God. She smiled and thanked me for my support. It was a touching moment I will never forget.

We visited Baby Watoto, where many orphans live. It was heartbreaking to see their adorable faces, but I was glad they had support from Watoto. At Watoto Suubi Village, I was amazed by their efforts to help children, from babies to teens. It was a great chance to learn about the lives of orphans and the support they receive. Before our service learning trip, we raised funds to renovate a primary school. It felt unreal to see our donations make a real difference. Despite poor air circulation and getting heatstroke, the renovation was memorable. After three days, the transformation was massive, and the satisfaction outweighed the tiredness. The students surprised us with a performance on our last day, making all our work worthwhile when we saw their happy faces.

The service learning experience is a lifelong memory filled with unforgettable moments. The people in Africa are friendly and welcoming, helping me appreciate their country and positive attitude despite challenges. The memories, lessons, and experiences would not have been the same without my great buddies. Thank you for the fantastic time together.