Just in time for the year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, in order to promote students’ understanding of Chinese history and culture as well as deepen exchanges between university colleges, Cheng Yu Tung College of the University of Macau organized an exchange visit to Peking University’s Yuanpei College from May 19 to 25. The theme of this visit was “A Journey of Beijing’s Historical Culture”, where staff and students from both universities learned together and visited renowned historical sites in Beijing such as the Summer Palace, the National Museum, and the Beihai Park, allowing them to understand and appreciate the long history and culture of China.

At the launch ceremony on May 20, Dean of Yuanpei College Prof. Li Meng and Associate Master of Cheng Yu Tung College Prof. Gong Yingxue expressed their hope that the students would promote exchange and deepen friendship. Subsequently, the staff and students visited the Peking University campus.

During the exchange period, staff and students from the two colleges participated in a number of lectures on historical and cultural themes. Professor He Jin of Peking University provided an in-depth explanation of the origins of the historical relics on campus, guiding the staff and students to immerse themselves in the long history of the Yan Garden. Professor Chen Jun taught the singing techniques of Kunqu Opera, allowing the students to experience the beauty and unique charm of Kunqu. Professor Luo Xin gave a lecture on “How Reality Summons and Reshapes the Past” using the Spanish Flu as an example, allowing the students to reflect on the connection between history and the current society. The staff and students from the two colleges also participated in a variety of cultural experience activities, such as a guqin (a traditional Chinese musical instrument) workshop where Professor Li Yang of Peking University performed classic guqin pieces and taught the students basic guqin techniques.

This exchange activity has deepened the understanding of the University of Macau’s college staff and students on Chinese traditional culture and art, enhanced their understanding of the development of the motherland, and promoted exchange between the two colleges. Yuanpei College of Peking University will send 10 students to the Cheng Yu Tung College of the University of Macau for a one-week return visit in August this year, further strengthening the friendship between the two colleges.

Fig. 1. Staff and students from the two colleges taking a group photo at Yuanpei College, Peking University

Fig. 2. Guqin (a traditional Chinese musical instrument) workshop

Fig. 3. Staff and students from the two colleges taking a group photo at Tiananmen Square

Fig. 4. Visiting the Beihai Park

Fig. 5. Visiting the National Museum

Cheng Yu Tung College (CYTC) conducted its first Service-Learning project in Xiushui County, Jiangxi Province. 13 students of CYTC led by Resident Fellow Ms. Diane Lu and College Master Prof. Alfred Wong went to Xiushui to provide voluntary teaching in a primary school called Yusheng Jinrong No.2 Primary School (裕盛錦榮第二小學). They received patriotic education by visiting the Autumn Harvest Uprising Memorial Hall and Huang Tingjian’s hometown.

In compliance with the Chinese Central Government’s policy, the Macau Special Administrative Region Government and the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government give partner assistance to the Revitalization of Rural Areas in Xiushui County, Jiangxi Province. The Macau SAR policy is likewise followed by CYTC. Following a site visit in March, CYTC recruited 13 student volunteers and did the training and preparation for nearly 1.5 months Targeting 158 P2 to P4 students at Yusheng Jinrong No. 2 Primary School in Jiangxi province, CYTC conducted its inaugural service-learning trip there from May 27 to June 4, 2023. According to school administrators, the majority of students were underdeveloped in music, athletics, art, and scientific popularization, therefore the team created a number of experiential learning programs. For instance, through their participation in art classes, the children learned how to tie-dye clothing as well as how to rub leaves and flowers into paper. The youngsters also learned how to play soccer, which involves kicking or bouncing a ball. The kids picked up how to play the recorder and read numbered musical notation. Last but not least, College Master, Prof. Wong presented two lectures on “science and creativity” to students and teachers on the final day of the volunteer work. On June 1, Children’s Day, the team collaborated with the children to give four shows in addition to their volunteer teaching activities, and without a doubt, every member enjoyed themselves immensely.

The team also paid visits to the Autumn Harvest Uprising Memorial Hall and Huang Tingjian’s hometown. The memorial hall teaches patriotism and revolutionary tradition. It was named a patriotic education demonstration base and one of Jiangxi Province’s “Top 10 Red Attractions.” Huang Tingjian was a well-known Northern Song Dynasty literary personality. The team gained a better understanding of Jiangxi’s Xiushui County after seeing the memorial hall and old residence.

Reference: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/nZzy4ehY488aKVWWRD1YXA (江西省修水報)