Over 110 PolyU students and staff participate in service-learning programme in Rwanda; Installing solar power systems for families in mountainous areas and for the first time collaborating with rural citizens to design fashionable clothing

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has always been committed to nurturing socially responsible professionals and leaders with a strong sense of national pride and a global perspective. This summer, over 110 PolyU students and staff travelled to eight villages in the Rwamagana district of Rwanda as part of a PolyU service-learning programme. They successfully installed over 400 solar power systems for impoverished families in the mountainous areas and, for the first time, collaborated with rural citizens to design fashionable clothing integrating modern techniques and local ethnic styles. This not only enriched the students’ learning experience beyond the classroom, but also brought positive impact to the local communities.

The two-week Rwanda service-learning project was part of the “Wong Tit Shing Sustainability Education Project: Habitat Green in East Africa,” now in its 11th year, and organised by the Service-Learning and Leadership Office at PolyU. Dr LAM Tai-fai, Council Chairman of PolyU, Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU and Prof. Ben YOUNG, Vice President (Student and Global Affairs) of PolyU, also participated in the project for the first time.

As the first Hong Kong university to incorporate service-learning as a core part of the undergraduate curriculum, PolyU aims to inspire students to be more socially conscious, apply their classroom learning and respond to societal needs. Students and staff participating in the service-learning programme in Rwanda this year were involved in two projects offered by the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the Department of Computing, as well as the School of Fashion and Textiles.

Some villages in Rwanda are still plagued by a power shortage. The PolyU service-learning project addresses real needs for a basic electricity supply among local impoverished households by installing solar power systems. By collaborating with local partners, the project aims to provide reliable and a stable basic electricity supply, thereby improving the quality of life for these communities.

To further promote exchange between Hong Kong and Rwanda, PolyU students and staff collaborated with rural citizens for the first time through the University’s world-leading fashion and textile arts to create unique clothing that blends traditional elements with modern design. The successful completion of the project was marked with a community celebration, which included a fashion show showcasing the unique designs from the collaboration. This joyful event was attended by local dignitaries, as well as Prof. Kwok Yin WONG, Vice President (Education) of PolyU, and Mr WANG Xuekun, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda.

Prof. Kwok-yin Wong, PolyU Vice President (Education) (4th from right), Mr Wang Xuekun, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda (6th from left) and other local dignitaries attended the community celebration and fashion show.

Dr Lam Tai-fai stated, “I am pleased to see PolyU students and staff fully engaged in the service-learning process, applying their knowledge and experience to the project. This has enabled rural citizens to acquire skills, to improve their livelihoods, and help contribute to the development of Rwanda.”

Prof. Jin-Guang Teng said, “PolyU is dedicated to nurturing students with talent and integrity. Service-learning enhances students’ sense of social responsibility, deepens their understanding of social needs, improves their professional skills, and helps foster a sense of national pride and global vision. I hope we can attract more Rwanda students to study and exchange at PolyU, thereby cultivating more talent for the development of their community.”

During the trip, the PolyU senior management delegation visited the Rwandan Ministry of Education and the University of Rwanda to explore potential collaborations. They also paid a courtesy visit to the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda for in-depth exchanges on educational topics. The delegation also toured local high school and education institution, aiming to continue providing more educational opportunities for students from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

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