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| A journey of volunteering and self-reflection | |
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Thirty students took part in a service trip to Sichuan during 21-27 January. It was the second time Wong Nga-ue, a student of Higher Diploma Programme in Human Services, had been to Sichuan for voluntary service. Longing to work in the social services field, Nga-ue has actively participated in different voluntary services in Hong Kong and Mainland China since secondary school. She shared her observation when comparing the differences of voluntary services in Hong Kong and the Mainland. "If you give a candy to rural children in the Mainland, they will do something for you before taking it; however, if you give a candy to Hong Kong children, they take it for granted and ask for more," she said. Rural children are happy and easily satisfied. They are excited to receive little treats like simply playing games with them or giving them a small gift. Voluntary services inspired her to keep a contented mind and helped her improve the relationship with her family. Beatrice Wong and five classmates from Higher Diploma Programme in Public Relations and Advertising accomplished a 2-day service trip to Dongguan with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Volunteer Team. They visited migrant labourers' home, played with their kids and taught English. "We not only served but also learnt a lot from the trip. What we have is far better than them, but what we lack is their attitude towards adversity," said Beatrice. She learnt to be grateful and would seize every opportunity provided in Hong Kong to advance herself. "By doing so, I will not regret when looking back," she added. Voluntary services make a difference. CUSCS always encourages its students to step out of the classroom and serve the community, offshore or in Hong Kong. Two other groups of students from Higher Diploma Programme in Public Relations and Advertising organised voluntary services in Hong Kong between January and March. On 11-13 February, Hannah Chau and her classmates held a campaign named "Fair To Be Loved" to raise funds for World Vision. "Skip a Meal" was held in Tseung Kwan O, Central and Tsimshatsui East Ocean Learning Centres to arouse students' awareness of the problem of world hunger. From January to March, another group of six students from the same programme co-operated with the NGO "Read-Cycling" to conduct workshops in the CUHK FAA Chan Chun Ha Secondary School, Ju Ching Chu Secondary School (Yuen Long) and Shau Kei Wan Government Secondary School respectively to promote "DIY Pop-up Book" and the idea of "Read-cycling". CUSCS is delighted to promote voluntary services – both the students and the community benefit from the students' dedicated service. |
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Students participating in voluntary services can learn to care about others while at the same time benefiting themselves. More than 30 Higher Diploma students participated in service trips to Sichuan and Dongguan in January and March respectively. "Though living conditions in Hong Kong are much better than the Mainland, children there are far happier than kids in Hong Kong. We should be contented with what we have and seize every opportunity to learn and serve," a student shared. 
