From 28 May to 11 June 2025, under the guidance of Professor Kwan Tsz Ho from the Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, 15 passionate College students flew across the globe to Uganda, Africa, for a meaningful service-learning journey. Far beyond a typical sight-seeing trip, this experience immersed students in local communities, fostering deep cultural exchange and meaningful service that left a lasting impact on the participants.

Like many African nations, Uganda faces complex challenges such as poverty, gender inequality, and child abandonment. Students explored slum areas and listened to life stories from marginalised women. Despite the adversity these women have endured, they showed incredible resilience and hope – leaving a profound impact on the students and inspiring them with their unwavering strength and courage.

One of the most heartwarming highlights of the trip was the transformation of a simple classroom into a space-themed Toy Library. Before their journey, students collected second-hand toys in Hong Kong, cleaned and packed them, and brought them all the way to the Watoto Children’s Village. In just three days, they turned the room into a joyful galaxy, painting stars, astronauts, and planets across the walls, creating a vibrant space for local children to play, explore and dream.

In addition to the classroom makeover, students also led a series of fun and interactive activities, such as teaching local kids to perform a dragon dance and introducing them to Chinese characters with positive meanings. These engaging experiences not only promoted cultural exchange but also encouraged character growth in a uplifting and memorable way.

The trip was also filled with unexpected and delightful experiences: students immersed themselves in traditional Ugandan dance, tried their hand at farming, tasted local delicacies like grasshoppers, and went on a safari in a national park.  Over just two weeks, they inspired the community with warmth and happiness, returning home with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.