In a remarkable showcase of experiential learning and community engagement, Social Sciences students recently shared their impactful initiatives from the classroom to the countryside. On May 10, the WZQ Rural Revitalisation Leadership Lesson (Advanced): Social Impact Assessment Roundtable Seminar brought together over 70 participants to explore outcomes of youth-led rural revitalisation projects in Hong Kong’s remote villages, marking a standout highlight of the 2024-25 term-time internship programme under the Social Innovation and Global Citizenship (SIGC) curriculum.
The seminar marked a milestone in the Faculty’s experiential learning approach, evolving from internships to community-engaged research. Launched in April 2024, the WZQ Rural Revitalisation Leadership Lesson (Advanced) programme trained 30 young people through 50 hours of instruction by local and international experts, leading to four revitalisation projects focusing on cultural preservation, environmental awareness, and community engagement. Six Social Sciences undergraduate students conducted Social Impact Assessments over six months, showcasing findings that emphasized cross-sector collaboration, tailored revitalisation efforts, and the power of university-NGO partnerships in nurturing socially responsible leaders.
Throughout the 2024–25 academic year, 92 Social Sciences students completed the SIGC internships with 46 Community Partner organisations, gaining hands-on experience in addressing social issues and developing essential workplace competencies. To mark the culmination of their journeys, students presented reflections and achievements at the Poster Presentation on May 8–9. Each poster integrated academic knowledge, internship experiences, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting on key social issues and critical understanding.