Guilin Service Learning Trip 桂林服務學習之旅 (Jan 2026)

In January 2026, 15 HKUST students traveled to Guilin for a service-learning trip in collaboration with the Y.L. Yang Foundation. The initiative was designed to offer volunteers a meaningful cross-cultural experience while supporting the local community through education.

Leading up to the trip, volunteers participated in a series of training workshops that introduced them to Guilin's cultural background and the specific learning needs of the children they would be teaching. Using design thinking methods, they identified their personal strengths and passions to craft creative, engaging lesson plans for young learners. The goal was to go beyond traditional teaching—sparking curiosity, encouraging participation, and making learning genuinely enjoyable.

Once in Guilin, the team delivered interactive classes across diverse subjects, including science, sustainability, music, and mental health. Each session was tailored to capture the students' attention and foster an active learning environment. The students' enthusiasm was palpable, and by the end of the trip, many expressed heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers and hoped for their return.

Although the trip was brief, the experience left a lasting impression on everyone involved. While the full impact of their efforts will unfold over time, the trip served as a powerful reminder that meaningful connections can form in even a short period—and that small acts of teaching and encouragement can make a lasting difference.