By Sophie Oxford, Global Citizenship Coordinator
During Global Citizenship Week (GCW) HKA’s secondary school students engage in a diverse range of activities and experiences designed to expand their global perspective, enhance intercultural communication skills, and offer leadership and community engagement opportunities. Secondary School faculty worked in conjunction with expert service providers to support a number of trips both within and beyond Hong Kong.
Students recently returned from their trips and spent time reflecting upon their experiences. Notable sharing from these reflections were:
Hong Kong Crossroads: Embracing Nature, Culture, and Global Citizenship
“I learned the impact of ocean waste on fishes and how it impacts us as humans. It was so shocking and interesting to learn about this and to understand how it can damage someone’s life.” says Samriddi.
Behind the Scenes
“I think the experience was very well needed because I’ve learned more about helping out others as well as myself. It’s inspired me to help others and do something similar again, and to help people in general in the future.” says Katia.
Japan: Harmony Summit: Discovering Hokkaido’s Beauty and Culture
“I learned a lot about old Japanese cultures, different customs, what they might have been doing in their free time and how they make their living. It was generally a really eye-opening experience and as a Korean I felt like I overcame a barrier that comes with cultural differences.” says Yuvin.
Rediscover Your City
“What was really meaningful to me was to see all my classmates’ growth because I have known a few of them for my whole life and to see their growth as well as mine was inspiring.” shared Sydney.
Yangshuo, China: Karsts, Caves, and Culture with Hutong
“I have never been to China before and it was eye-opening to go to a new country. It was very different to any place I have been to and as I don’t read Chinese characters I had to get out of my comfort zone and rely on others as we were navigating through trip activities.” said Abbie.
Cambodia: Khmer Culture & Learning Service
“What really stuck with me most was learning how much I take for granted every day. The kids we spent time with don’t really have much, but they’ll take anything they get and whatever happens, they are really happy and grateful for all of it” says Ruby.
Grade 9 – 11 students will be drawing upon their reflections as they develop their Global Citizen Diploma (GCD) portfolios, as well as continuing to make connections to this important learning in their lessons and FleX impact projects. The GCD is a requirement of graduation at HKA and we are the only school in Hong Kong offering this programme. Learn more here. We would like to thank all trip leaders and chaperones for their support of our diverse and exciting Global Citizen Week!
