44 students graduate from SOAR 2017/18 after 3-credit service-learning with PolyU's School of Nursing in Kyrgyzstan

The forth cohort of SOAR Youth Leadership Programme 2017/18 has concluded with the service-learning trip at Kyrgyzstan in August. A total of 21 students from PolyU, 12 students from Xi’an Jiaotong University and 11 students from Peking University completed and graduated from the programme. 

Themed “Embracing Diversity”, the students learned about social issues and phenomenon in different cultural contexts. They visited Gansu to understand the living style and culture of the Tibetan and the Hui families, and the challenges of the ethnic groups in Mainland China. In Israel, they learnt about creating a shared society for the Arabs and the Jews, and reflected on the situations of their own cities. The International Youth Forum at the University of Haifa also inspired them about the youth’s views and responsibilities on ethnic diversity.

At Kyrgyzstan, the country of rich ethnicity, PolyU students conducted their credit-bearing service-learning subject offered by the School of Nursing. While Peking University students travelled to Jarbashy Primary School in the remote area and held a summer camp for local children, students from Xi’an Jiaotong University conducted summer camps with the Kyrgyzstan Federation of the Blinds and Children at the Ivanovka Primary School. 

The graduation ceremony recognised the 44 students on their accomplishments and learning in leadership and aspirations.