From 15 to 29 July 2024, five students from USRN member institutions, including Ateneo de Manila University, Beijing Normal University, and Rhodes University, participated in an international Service-Learning Programme organised by the Service-Learning and Leadership Office of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Rwanda, Africa.
The students engaged in the Rwanda project “Habitat Green in East Africa”,” where they collaborated to design and implement sustainable energy solutions for families in remote villages. This service-learning programme aims to promote learning and growth through service to the local community. Specifically, the student participants worked together and actively engaged with the local community to improve the living conditions by installing solar power systems in rural areas of the Eastern Province of Rwanda.
“I believe being trained to derive productive work with our eclectic group was very fruitful in problem-solving. Being the least technically proficient did not impede my intuition to contribute the best I could because everyone else was so eager to help, give positive reinforcement and enforce clear instructions that it wasn’t the steepest of learning curves.”
Raphaelle RAMOS, Ateneo de Manila University (participant of the Rwanda Service-Learning Project 2024)
“One of the most important takeaways was the friendships I made here. After joining this programme, I made many friends. Thanks to these friends, I always felt at ease in the programme; I never had to worry about finding strangers for group activities. This experience helped me appreciate the warmth of relationships more deeply and taught me that as long as I give sincerely, I will surely receive friendly responses in return.”
Xinran CHEN, Beijing Normal University (participant of the Rwanda Service-Learning Project 2024)
“While interacting with Rwandans, I experienced their warmth and friendliness, as well as the challenges of cross-cultural communication. Cultural and linguistic differences sometimes create barriers, but through these experiences, I have learned to be tolerant and understanding, and realised the importance of proactively breaking down barriers. Reflecting on these cultural differences has given me a deeper appreciation for interpersonal interactions in multicultural environments, further enhancing my ability to grow through practice and self-reflection.”
Xiangyu GAO, Beijing Normal University (participant of the Rwanda Service-Learning Project 2024)
“I am especially grateful for connecting with fellow USRN students who helped me overcome significant culture shock. Through the programme, I was equipped with the problem-solving skills and courage to confront similar challenges I might face in future workplaces.”
Zhifei ZHANG, Beijing Normal University (participant of the Rwanda Service-Learning Project 2024)
