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CUHK Students Have a 15-Day Date with Mainland Visually-impaired Students
Office of Academic Links (China) (OALC) of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Hong Kong Blind Union (HKBU), co-organized "A Date with the Visually-Impaired for 15 Days" programme from 15 to 29 October in CUHK. Three visually-impaired students from Binzhou Medical College (BMC) in Shandong Province were warmly welcome by a total of 20 CUHK students, who took turns to serve as buddies to the three students during their stay.
The students audited classes at CUHK, visited local museums and non-governmental organizations, and joined a wide range of activities organized by OALC and HKBU to gain a better understanding of local students' life and Hong Kong society, experiencing barrier-free facilities and services for the visually-impaired in the region. They had the chance to participate in Mainland China-Hong Kong-Macao Forum on Integrated Education for the Visually Impaired, where they shared own experience with other delegates from various parts of China.
The activities not only provided a valuable chance for the visually-impaired students to understand Hong Kong and the University, but also allowed CUHK participants to learn how to interact with the visually-impaired and take care of their real needs. Buddies have built a close relationship with the incoming students. Discussions were held on various topics such as local cultures, career prospects of university students and education systems in the two regions to enhance cultural exchanges. Below are extracts of sharing from the participating students:
'I was impressed by the deep collaboration between special needs schools and mainstream schools in Hong Kong. Take Ebenezer as an example. They provide education from Primary One to Secondary Three, which means students have to pursue their studies in mainstream schools then to prepare themselves for tertiary education and to better adapt to society. Ebenezer even arranges tutors to assist those who need special care to cope with the new environment. And I also learnt more through interacting with the CUHK buddies during our visit. Thanks a lot!' - Li Wenbo, student of BMC.
'We were told on Day 1 about the biliteracy and trilingualism education policy in Hong Kong, as well as the deep influence by Western cultures on Hong Kong as a former British colony, which has fused herself with Chinese cultures after being reunified with mainland China, as shown by the coexistence of yum cha from Guangdong and afternoon tea from Britain. During our visit of HKSB, we learnt about the use of assistive devices such as signs with distinctive colours and shapes and audible-touch maps, the offering of mobility orientation courses by HKSB for the visually-impaired, and the establishment of the Equal Opportunities Commission which helps to raise public awareness of disability discrimination. All these show public attention to the needs of the disabled in the community.' - Xu Wenjun, student of BMC.
'It has been my honour to participate in the activity. I was deeply touched by the open-mindedness and strength of the visually-impaired individuals, the passion and conscientiousness of social workers in Ebenezer, and the eagerness of institutions to promote integrated education. Different sectors have been fighting for equal rights of the visually-impaired community in Hong Kong. Mainland students like I myself highly appreciate the sophisticated public facilities and the wide range of user-friendly services in Hong Kong. As an education major, I sincerely hope to learn more about integrated education and contribute to the equal opportunities help more visually impaired students to enjoy the education they deserve.' - Zeng Jiao, volunteer of CUHK.
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Limited Places Available for Winter Activities under CU in Mainland & Taiwan 2018
OALC will continue to organize over 20 student interflow programmes in collaboration with various mainland partner institutions in the coming winter break, providing a wide variety of experiential learning opportunities in mainland China to CUHK full-time students, ranging from field studies to cultural exploration in white snow, with around 300 quotas. Some programmes are still receiving applications. Please apply here!
Enquiries can be forwarded to Mr. Simon LEUNG of our Office at 39434412 or via simoncnleung@cuhk.edu.hk.
