China-Japan-Korea SERVE
The Programme and the University Social Responsibility Network
With the University Social Responsibilities (USR) Network inaugurated in 2015, and now a line-up of 16 members from across the world with strong programmes in USR, the Network is well poised to soar high to meet its ambition in joining hands to promote USR worldwide. In this connection, it is of utmost importance and urgency for the Network to well articulate its vision and mission and have a well thought-out roadmap to guide its future development. The executive committee of the Network has committed in 2016 to build on more learning programmes among students within the network members and other invited Universities. Under this context the China-Japan-Korea SERVE Initiative was piloted in Summer 2017.
The teaching faculties come from the Department of Applied Social Sciences and the School of Design. This programme therefore provides cross-disciplinary knowledge that (1) helps students understand, compare and contrast the different perspectives and issues of aging among Japan, South Korea, Mainland China, and Hong Kong; (2) ignites students with passion to get along with and serve elderly. Students will attend classes in mid-May before going to the service trip in August. This learning experience will nurture students’ serving heart, enhance cross-cultural competence and build friendship with students from different nations.
China-Japan-Korea SERVE 2018
Design with Elderlies in Post-disaster Sichuan
On 12th May 2008, the Wenchuan Earthquake struck Sichuan province in China. It destroyed peoples’ homes and livelihoods, separating families and putting people in despair. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has committed to helping with the reconstruction and evacuation work in Sichuan. It jointly established the “Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction” with Sichuan University in 2013 in order to nurture specialists in post-disaster reconstruction and disaster management, which gives hopes to the earthquake-affected regions and residents. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Wenchuan Earthquake, China-Japan-Korea SERVE Initiative 2017-2018 will bring together students from four universities to Sichuan to help with the reconstruction and rehabilitation work: the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong), Kyoto University (Japan), Peking University (Mainland China), and Ewha Womans University (South Korea). Students will cooperate with elderlies to understand the needs of Sichuan residents, and serve the local community together. In addition, under this cross-disciplinary programme, students will learn to combine the knowledge of design and social sciences to help people tackle different problems. The new experiences and professional knowledge that students bring to the community will also stimulate the development of post-disaster reconstruction work in Sichuan.
| Collaborating Partners | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Peking University, Mainland China Kyoto University, Japan Ewha Womans University, South Korea |
| Supported by | Yonsei University, South Korea Sichuan University, Mainland China Sichuan Agricultural University, Mainland China |
| Location | Sichuan, China |
China-Japan-Korea SERVE Initiative 2017
The State of the Art of Sustainable Communities with Elderlies in Kyoto, Japan
The first cross-bordered collaborative China-Japan-Korea SERVE Initiative has completed in Japan. This Initiative has brought together 57 students from the four universities to Kyoto. They visited the earthquake museum and local districts in Kobe to learn about the Japanese’s persistence and modesty in living with the nature. Divided into five service groups, they had a glance on the active ageing situation in both cities and rural areas. Together with the local elderlies and organisations, they proposed and co-created events, workshops, and public engagement in Kyoto. Their fruitful experiences were showcased and presented in the form of an exhibition in Kyoto University. Also, it is indispensable to mention that these students from Japan, Korea, and China have brought home with them a once-in-a-lifetime memory and friendship.
| Collaborating Partners | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Peking University, Mainland China Kyoto University, Japan Ewha Womans University, South Korea |
| Location | Kyoto, Japan — Keihanna Science Park — Ashiu Research Forest — Kyoto City — Sabae City — Miyazu City |
Check out CJK SERVE Initiative 2017 Photos Here
China-Japan-Korea SERVE Initiative 2017 (Video):
