Cultivating Global Citizens: Our Intercultural Competence Workshop with HKU Social Sciences Students!

Meaningful community work begins long before the first day on the job—it starts with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to learn. With this spirit in mind, we were absolutely delighted to partner with the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) to deliver an Intercultural Competence Workshop for their dedicated students.

These students were preparing to begin summer internships with local organisations serving non-Chinese communities, and our workshop was designed to give them a strong foundation for their important work ahead.

From Fun Quizzes to Big Ideas

Our session kicked off with a vibrant, interactive quiz that challenged the students' knowledge of different cultures and sparked their curiosity. This fun and energetic start served as a perfect gateway into the core ideas of the day: what it means to be culturally aware and how to connect effectively with people from different backgrounds.

Moving Beyond the Surface

From there, we moved into deeper, more reflective conversations. Using powerful, real-world scenarios, we explored complex topics like personal identity and social inequality. These discussions prompted students to re-examine their own perspectives and fostered a deeper understanding of the challenges and experiences of others in a diverse city like Hong Kong.

The Power of Personal Stories

The workshop truly came to life through personal stories. We were incredibly fortunate to have our advisor, Gurpreet, and our team member, Hassan, share their invaluable experiences, which resonated deeply with the students. Perhaps most powerfully, several students bravely shared their own reflections, turning the workshop into a genuine dialogue and enriching the learning for everyone.

A Step Towards a More Inclusive Hong Kong

The enthusiasm and engagement from the HKU students were truly inspiring. We left feeling confident that these well-prepared, empathetic young leaders will make a real, positive impact during their internships and beyond. We can't wait to see the incredible things they will achieve.