Introduction to Wu Zhi Qiao Experiential Learning Programme



Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation (WZQ) has organized the first summer Experiential Learning Program (ELP) for students since 2018. WZQ ELP provides multi-disciplinary experiential learning opportunities to enable a holistic development of students through capacity building and service learning. The programme provides hands-on experience of living in the rural village for initiating social projects and understanding local culture and wisdom. It provides an invaluable and unique learning experience to young people. Currently over 100 university students have participated and completed the programme.

 

An architect student from the University of Hong Kong has expressed in a sharing session "After spending two weeks in the ELP in the countryside, I feel that I am more independent than before, and I have truly experienced the life in the rural areas of Mainland China. This is also the first time I have lived in the Mainland for such a long time." Another participant from the University of Hong Kong has expressed "I hope to stay at the villagers’ household next time to experience the local customs and to understand how they tackle with their daily difficulties in life."

 

Upon completion of the experiential learning programme, a group of students from the Lingnan University remarked "My biggest feeling is that the villagers are very welcoming and enthusiastic about our visit. The most impressive part is how volunteers from Hong Kong and Mainland China communicate and understand with each other. In addition, I am very impressed by the waste management and disposal system in Macha village. I have also learnt a new way of washing dishes by the use of wheat bran, which turns out to be very efficient in cleaning dishes and can save a lot of water so as to enhance environmental protection.”

 

  1. Objectives

Objectives of ELP are:

  1. expand participants’ horizons and enable them to draw on their knowledge through first-hand practical experience;
  2. foster better communication, mutual understanding and integration between Hong Kong and the Mainland;
  3. provide real life experience in executing a service project which has direct impact and improve the lives of underprivileged villagers in rural areas;
  4. inspire respect, appreciation and preservation of local culture and environment, and promulgate the concept of sustainability; and
  5. develop integrity and commitment to society.

 

II.    Description

It will involve pre-trip planning and onsite project execution/delivery. The programme will cover a wide range of areas for sustainability development and betterment of the community concerned.

 

III.   Learning Outcomes  

Upon completing, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand indigenous environments/ cultures through first-hand engagement with the community concerned;
  2. Identify pertinent needs/ key issues and develop plans to enhance social and sustainability development and/or preserve local culture;
  3. Develop service ethics, self-initiative, adaptation to the organizational culture, and communication skills.