New Asia College The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

Apart from the rich atmosphere of Chinese culture, New Asia is also a cosmopolitan hub with many international staff and students joining each year. Through this new series “New Asia Family”, we would speak with some of these members about their experiences, with the hope to strengthen cultural exchanges and understanding. Our first guest is Myrmidon KANGARA, a fourth-year law student from Zimbabwe. She would share with us her life in New Asia and Hong Kong.

1) Why did you travel 10,000 km from Zimbabwe to Hong Kong to study Law?

I knew I wanted to study law when I was 17. The only question was where. During my research I found that the law programmes in CUHK and HKU are both of good ranking and yet affordable, so I applied for both and got accept to CU.

2) Why did you choose to join New Asia?

I want to be somewhere where things began. New Asia is the oldest College in CU so it is essentially the place. The College was founded under difficult circumstances and blossomed through perseverance, discipline and determination. Comparing this rich history with other colleges, I couldn’t find another one that offers the same kind of familiarity. Instead of joining more international colleges, I feel like New Asia would allow me to integrate more with the local community.

3) Did you settle well in Hong Kong?

I’ve never left Zimbabwe before coming to Hong Kong. The humidity here was such a shock to me that I felt like I couldn’t breathe. But after a couple of days I got used to it. I have experienced a lot of hospitality in the College which I deeply appreciated. I’m grateful to have very maternal warden and tutors who have offered as much help as they can.

4) Have you experienced any cultural shock? If yes, how did you overcome it?

I was quite surprised by how quiet people are here compared to in Zimbabwe. Most Zimbabweans are full of energy and very talkative. Here in Hong Kong, people are friendly but it might take longer to break the ice. Through my experiences in organizing activities with the New Asia Intercultural Club, I learned a trick that if you get people moving and doing something they are not accustomed to, it helps them forget about their differences and focus on the tasks at hand.

5) You founded the African Students Association soon after you arrived in CU. Why?

When I first arrived, it was difficult being one of the few African and black students on campus. After joining OSA’s i-Ambassador Scheme several times, I wanted to showcase African culture as a whole as opposed to just Zimbabwean. After speaking to other African students in CU, we have formed the African Students Association in 2018. Apart from being a platform for us to socialize, the Association also aims to introduce African culture to the local community. We organized tours to Chung King Mansion and held screenings of African movies. These activities and the conversations they started helped correct people’s misconceptions about Africa and spark their interests to learn more.

6) You devote lots of time in social services. Who do you serve most and why?

My mother instilled in me that you should always help the needy. Hong Kong is a rich society, but a lot of people still suffer because of inequality. I am passionate about serving three groups in particular: underprivileged children, foreign domestic workers and refugees.

Through the Clover programme, I helped ethnic minority and Chinese immigrant children learn Cantonese and English so that they can better integrate with society. These children have so much potential and they deserve all the help they need to grow into the best versions of themselves.

With Pathfinders and HELP for Domestic Workers, I supported foreign domestic workers in dire situations who need legal assistance. A lot of people don’t view them as normal workers but more as servants, and the workers often are not aware of their rights.

I also work with the Refugee Union in Hong Kong through HKOTSSA. Asylum seekers here cannot work legally and receive very little assistance from the government. We try to provide them with basic necessities and also help tell their stories by organizing documentary screenings.

7) What does “New Asia Spirit” mean to you?

My understanding of New Asia Spirit is perseverance, the determination to work through your problems, and doing something that matters not just to you but also to create value to society. New Asia offers a unique familial feeling and a “we-are-in-this-together-we-can-make-it-together” spirit. I especially appreciated how the College always make provision for students in difficulty.

8) Did the past four years bring any impact to you?

As an African coming here with paved roads everywhere, running water and electricity 24/7 and a proper healthcare system, I have witnessed first-hand how a well-organized and functional government should be like. It made me more determined to improve the lives of my fellow citizens back home.

9) What are you plans after graduation?

I plan to work in Hong Kong to gain some experiences and also earn some money to send back home. The brain drain in Zimbabwe means that there aren’t enough jobs and opportunities, so I really need to build up enough experience here before I can return home.

10) Any words for fellow NA students?

New Asia is a unique College. While you’re here, take the time to know its history, and try to find friends to explore the College with. There are many activities and clubs in the College you can join where you can learn new things and meet new people. Most important of all, just have a lot of fun!