The I·CARE Achievers Programme introduces the 24 types of character strength through diverse activities to enhance self-awareness and positive value of students, thereby promoting healthy development of the community and the world. It specifically aims to nurture participants to be civil citizens who respect others, care about the environment, demonstrate perseverance in face of adversity, serve the needy with compassion, and possess a global outlook to address the world’s complicated issues. In the first term of this academic year, three activities under the I·CARE Achievers Programme were held, namely the “Beginner’s Workshop on Compassionate Communication”, “Sharing Session on Social Enterprise cum Muay Thai Trial Class” and “Mindfulness Day”.
The “Beginner’s Workshop on Compassionate Communication”, with Mr. Y. Y. Chan (experienced psychological counsellor, trainer and registered social worker) as the instructor, was conducted on the 30th of September last year. 23 participants acquired elementary knowledge and strategies about communication, and they learnt how to find out the genuine feelings and needs of themselves and other people through empathetic listening and expression. They were expected to be able to transform conflicts into powerful connections, mend broken relationships and untangle emotions. They also practised conflict resolution strategies through lecture and interactive activities to enhance their character strengths of “Honesty”, “Love” and “Social Intelligence”. It is not the first time that the I·CARE Achievers Programme has organised an event on “Compassionate Communication”. The content of many former events was lain at the preliminary stage, but the current one targets to contain in-depth discussions. More events on this topic will take place in different modes in future.
As for the “Sharing Session on Social Enterprise cum Muay Thai Trial Class”, it was held on the 13th of November last year, where 22 participants visited the gym studio of Elite Thai Boxing and Fitness*, a social enterprise located at Sheung Wan. Following the sharing of Mr. Alan He, the fitness centre’s Chief Executive Officer, on how a social enterprise may address social problems and generate profits to sustain its business in tandem, the participants acquired basic skills of Muay Thai from three professional coaches. It was demonstrated that the various teaching and communication strategies adopted by these coaches could help the learners with different needs to build self-confidence and improve their quality of life. Apart from having fun with playing Muay Thai, participants had deepened their understanding of three character strengths, namely “Zest”, “Kindness” and “Bravery”.
On the 25th of November last year, 20 participants joined the “Mindfulness Day” at Tsz Shan Monastery at Tai Po. They made a quick pit stop amidst their hectic campus life and bathed in the Monastery which is situated in the tranquil and spacious nature to enhance their understanding of the character strengths such as “Gratitude”, “Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence” and “Spirituality”. In the forest therapy session, participants tried to slow down to awaken their five senses and reconnect themselves with the nature under the guidance of three facilitators. A few of them unleashed the joy of returning to the nature when they walked barefoot on the grass, while some others who were afraid of insects tried letting go of fear and started to integrate with the nature by appreciating and accepting the small organisms. By the end of the session, the participants improvised a piece of artwork together by using leaves, twigs and stones collected along the way. The materials were at last returned to the nature. Prior to dismissal, participants joined either the water offering session or the tour at the Buddhist Art Museum. Everyone felt self-contented and had a peaceful afternoon.
For more information about the I·CARE Achievers Programme, please click here. If there is any enquiry, please contact Miss Wong of this Centre at 3943 1595 (Tel) or chloewong@cuhk.edu.hk (Email).
* Elite Thai Boxing and Fitness is the first social enterprise in Hong Kong that mainly provides Muay Thai training service. It helps the at-risk youths and other vulnerable groups develop a positive mindset and healthy lifestyle through Muay Thai and provision of job opportunities, so as to give full play to their strengths and talents. Other services include, for example, leading their students to offer free Muay Thai lessons to the youths with mood problems or with special education needs, members from low-income families and the elderly, as well as organising charity competitions.