Lingnan University organizes symposium to mark the 10th anniversary of Service-Learning at Lingnan and strengthen network for Service-Learning through regional collaboration

8 Mar 2016

 

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of inauguration of Service-Learning at Lingnan University, the Office of Service-Learning (OSL) of the University will organise the “International Symposium: Network Strengthening for Service-Learning Through Regional Collaboration” in four consecutive days starting from tomorrow (9 to 12 March). Over 140 participants representing more than 60 higher education institutions and organisations from 12 countries and regions will gather at Lingnan to review the developments and advances of Service-Learning in the Asia Pacific region over the past decade, share experience in Service-Learning and establish stronger collaboration network across the region.
 
Service-Learning is the combination of “formal academic studies”, “meaningful service” and “reflection”. It reinforces students’ classroom knowledge and enables them to use critical thinking skills and self-reflection. In 2006, Lingnan University set up the OSL and became the first university in Hong Kong to have an independent office dedicated to Service-Learning. OSL offers learning opportunities for students to apply their academic knowledge in practice, and under the guidance of course instructors and service agencies, students are able to develop a positive attitude and practical skills.
 
Prof Leonard K Cheng, President of Lingnan University pointed out that as the liberal arts university of Hong Kong, Lingnan is dedicated to students’ whole person development, and Service-Learning is an important element in realising its aspiration. “Lingnan University encourages its students to participate in Service-Learning projects, because we believe that community work is an important aspect in our students’ all round development. In these projects students have an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills and develop a sense of social responsibility,” said President Cheng.
 
Currently Lingnan University’s Service-Learning projects cover community outreach programmes, family care projects, farming projects, etc, and the number of projects has risen from 38 to 114 in the past ten years, with the number of people served increasing every year. With the University’s continuous and proactive efforts in promoting Service-Learning and to support the University’s education vision, starting from the 2016/17 intake Service-Learning will become a graduation requirement for Lingnan students.
 
Prof Alfred Chan Cheung-ming, Director of Service-Learning of Lingnan University stated that to echo the University’s motto of “Education for Service”, OSL has devoted to develop and create influential Service-Learning programmes for students, faculty and the community. “As development of Service-Learning in the region becomes more mature, I believe through learning from and exchange with each other, participants of the Symposium will be able to make a difference in the region,” said Prof Chan.
 
The Symposium will include a rich array of events. The thematic discussion on “Connections between Service-Learning and Higher Education Development in China” and the “4th Service-Learning Asia Network Meeting” will be held on the first two days of the Symposium at which participants will discuss the development of Service-Learning in the Asia Pacific region. The International Symposium on the third day will feature a keynote speech by Prof Gao Haiyan, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of Duke Kunshan University as well as panel discussions, poster sessions and academic paper presentations. Participants will be arranged to visit Lingnan University’s community partners in Tuen Mun and Yuen Long districts on the last day of the event for an in-depth understanding on the University’s effort in promoting Service-Learning.