Last Wednesday, Camões House, Moon Chun Memorial College of University of Macau, organised a tennis workshop. Although the weather in the morning was less than ideal, however, the sunny afternoon was perfect for outdoor activities.

After warming up, students gathered to learn some basic skills. Those with previous tennis experience shared tips with their peers on improving their serving and hitting accuracy. Students then split into pairs and practiced on two separate courts. While initially struggling with serving and rallying, the assistant provided timely guidance for them to overcome the challenges. Students also helped each other, whilst improving their serves and techniques, even engaging in a few rounds of rallies.

Through this experiential activity, students were truly able to experience a sense of achievement that comes with “learning and achieving.” With continuous improvement and practice, they gained a great deal of confidence and motivation. Additionally, they learned how to collaborate with others and overcome difficulties and challenges. Such valuable experiences and lessons will have a profound impact on the students’ future growth.

TEXT: LAI I HONG

On March 21, 2024, the University of Macau Moon Chun Memorial College Dom Pedro V House organized a beach volleyball experience activity to foster connections among its members. This activity aimed to let students know more about beach volleyball so that they would have greater exposure to different sports or hobbies, promoting their multi-faceted development. The activity provided students with an opportunity for teamwork and keeping fit.

The coach leading students in practicing basic skills

During these two hours, the coach initially gave a simple explanation of beach volleyball to help students gain a deeper understanding of the sport. Then, the coach divided the students into two groups for simple exercises, such as how to correctly tip the ball, pass the ball, and hit. One particularly interesting aspect is that, unlike ordinary volleyball, beach volleyball does not allow the use of fingers to touch the ball, but the rest is the same as ordinary volleyball. Many students who had never played volleyball before mentioned that they quickly picked up the game.

Friendly match after practice

Finally, there was a friendly competition where students could demonstrate the basics they had just learned. Perhaps due to shyness and initial unfamiliarity with the game, only a few students from both sides were initially willing to participate and catch the ball. After a break, however, all the students let go and took off their shoes to play beach volleyball barefoot. Some students tried kicking the ball, while others dove to save the ball or smashed it. They all had a great time.

The students were all tired and happy, and said they would continue to play similar sports in the future. Everyone gained health while also gaining happiness during the busy study period.

Text: Ngan Long CHAN

On 28 February 2024, students of Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau (UM) visited UM Museum of Art.  The exhibition, with an innovative curatorial approach, showcased nearly 130 masterpieces, including oil paintings created in Normandy in France by more than ten famous Western artists, such as Théodore Géricault, Claude Monet, Gustave Courbet, as well as photographs by their contemporaries. In addition, the exhibition also featured neo-impressionist paintings by the 20th-century French painter André Hambourg, and landscape paintings by Macao-based Chinese and Western artists such as George Smirnoff, Luís Luciano Demée, and Kwok Se, who drew inspiration from the convergence of cultures.

Mr. Norman Lo, MCMC Liaison Librarian, guided the exhibition with detailed explanation. Students gained a deeper understanding of the uniqueness and aesthetics inherent in French Impressionist paintings and Macao landscape paintings. This visit not only brought an unforgettable visual feast to the students, but also enhanced their cultural engagement. Some of them posted their comments and opinions on the wall after the visit.

On 22^nd February 2024, Moon Chun Memorial College, University of Macau was invited by the Rotary of Macau to screen The Invisible Self during their regular meeting at Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16. Mental health issues and the complex relationships with our multiple selves were explored in the film. It was a collaboration between members of the college and a local film director. The screenwriter, Celina Wang (Portuguese Studies), and one of the protagonists, Rachel Zhan (Psychology) shared their process of creation with Rotarians, Rotaractors, and guests. Producer, Alice Hong (resident fellow), and the director Steven U, also shared their experiences in making the film, triggering an animated discussion at the meeting, with the audience deeply impressed by how mental health issues were addressed with through cinematic language. Finally, President João Francisco Pinto presented a souvenir to the crew as a token of thanks.