LUE3002: PLATFORMx – A 21st Century Medium of Communication

Empowered Voices: The Intersection of Service-Learning and Communication

In the course LUE3002, students enhance their communication skills through the dynamic framework of TED presentations. The Service-Learning project under this course not only develops their listening, speaking, and critical thinking abilities but also deepens their understanding of important social issues. By focusing their speeches on meaningful topics, students are empowered to advocate for the communities they engage with. 

This year, we are pleased to partner with the following NGOs to provide community engagement opportunities for our students:

Through these collaborations, students immersed themselves in community service that enriched their learning while making a tangible impact.

Hands-On Experience: Learning Through Service

H.K.S.K.H. Lady MacLehose Centre

In a heartwarming initiative, students visited a residential building where subdivided flats are prevalent. With enthusiasm, they knocked on doors, engaging directly with residents to promote the Centre's services. This hands-on approach not only spread awareness but also fostered connections within the community, allowing students to grasp the unique challenges faced by those living in subdivided flats.

Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation

Adventure awaited as students traveled to the rural villages of Yung Shue O and Lai Chi Wo in Sha Tau Kok. Here, they conducted field trips, interviewing villagers about their experiences and the revitalization efforts underway. With the picturesque backdrop of nature, students delivered impromptu speeches, introducing the villages to travelers and highlighting the importance of community-driven development. This experience ignited a passion for rural revitalization and a deeper appreciation for local cultures.

Cherish Food by Hong Kong Federation of Women’s Centres

In a bid to combat food waste, students participated in collecting leftover ingredients from local wet markets. Their hard work culminated in distributing these ingredients to underprivileged individuals in Sham Shui Po. This initiative not only addressed food insecurity but also instilled a sense of responsibility and compassion in students, reinforcing the importance of community support.

Additional NGO Partnerships

Students also collaborated with other impactful organizations, to name but a few, Against Child Abuse, focusing on children and family services, and SideBySide Placidity Place, which supports mental health and rehabilitation. Each partnership added unique experiences that broadened students' perspectives on social issues and the critical work being done to address them.

Preparing for Impact: Skills That Matter

To excel in their advocacy efforts, students underwent rigorous training in interview techniques and video editing. These sessions equipped them with vital skills, enabling them to conduct insightful interviews with NGO staff, volunteers, and service users. The video editing training ensured their final advocacy speeches were polished and impactful, resembling the engaging style of TED Talks. This preparation was crucial, transforming their Service-Learning experiences into powerful narratives that effectively communicated the missions of the NGOs they collaborated with.

Amplifying Voices: The Ripple Effect of Advocacy

The culmination of these efforts was a 15-minute advocacy speech delivered with passion and purpose. Each video created serves not only as a poignant reminder of the social issues addressed by the NGOs but also as a resource for raising awareness among non-Chinese speakers. By sharing these videos, students have helped promote the valuable services offered by these organizations, potentially attracting new beneficiaries and passionate volunteers.

Watch the video below to experience the students' inspiring advocacy efforts firsthand:

Through their dedicated efforts in this Service-Learning project, students have not only enhanced their skills but have also contributed to a greater understanding of social issues within the community. The positive impacts resonate far beyond the classroom, fostering a culture of empathy and action among future leaders.

For more insights into the students' community participation, please check out our social media content linked below: