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"Quo Vadis": HKU hall residents launched mentorship programme to empower youth in Southern District

30 Mar 2025

Simulated life game allowed secondary school students to experience the impact of choices on life and inspired them to plan their future learning journey.

Operators of the River Trade Terminal introduced the development of logistic operation in Hong Kong and related career opportunities to participants.

Ms. Jeannie Wu (senior arts consultant, HKU alumna and former University Hall non-affiliated member) offered a guided tour of Art Gallery “Exit” to enhance participants’ appreciation skills of art pieces. She also shared her insights in the commercial arts industry and informed participants of related career paths.

Dr. Vincent Chan (tutor of HKU's Common Core Course and University Hall) led students to explore Shing Mun Redoubt and learn about the history of World War II relic.

Frequent gatherings of peer mentors and mentees to provide mentees with support and guidance on planning for their future.

Mentees were invited to join the High Table at University Hall of HKU, where they learnt social etiquette in a formal setting within an elegant and solemn environment.

Mentee representative, Angel, expressed sincere gratitude to peer mentors for their guidance and care at the graduation ceremony.

Donald Leung (programme coordinator) presented certificates to mentees and encouraged them to continue their efforts in life exploration. He also expressed gratitude for the active participation of HKU peer mentors.

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The phrase "Quo Vadis" – Latin for "Where are we going?" – inspired a group of HKU University Hall residents to create a transformative one-year mentorship programme of the same name. Designed to broaden the horizons of secondary school students, the initiative empowered participants to explore their life paths and cultivate a positive outlook on life. The programme successfully engaged 25 ethnically diverse students from four secondary schools in the Southern District.

Centred on the theme “Your Choices and Responsibilities”, the programme featured three core components:

Mentor-Student Pairing: Each secondary school student was paired with one of 23 HKU peer mentors, who met regularly with their mentees, participated in programme activities, and shared their personal and academic experiences. Through interaction, communication and sharing, peer mentors helped mentees identify their strengths, establish positive life values, set personal goals, and receive ongoing support and encouragement.
Personal Development Planning: Through workshops on various topics such as life planning, financial management, emotional management, and team building, mentees acquired relevant knowledge and skills to cultivate a positive thinking attitude and the ability to plan for the future.
Experiential Learning: Beyond classroom, the programme integrated career exploration with hands-on experiences. Mentees participated in various outings and visits such as River Trade Terminal, T-PARK, H2Ope Centre of Water Supplies Department, Tai O Water Village, Gallery EXIT and the Shing Mun Redoubt. These outings allowed mentees to gain in-depth and comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong's culture, history, logistics industry, environmental protection, and economic development, while helping them explore their interests and learn about the employment situation and opportunities in different sectors.

At the closing ceremony, Angle, a mentee with Filipino heritage from Pui Tak Canossian College shared her experience, “I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and got to know more people through the programme. I also gained exposure and knowledge beyond school and textbooks, such as how to deal with my emotions and how to plan for my future. I thank all the mentors and supporting units for providing me with this valuable experience of personal growth and transformation.”

HKU student mentor, Bonnie Leung (BBA(IBGM), year 2) highlighted the programme‘s enriching impact for all participants, “I am glad that I was able to create a supportive environment for my mentee to build her confidence, explore her career goals and develop a clear roadmap for the future. Witnessing her progress from uncertainty about university study to having clear aspirations and actionable plans convinced me that effective mentorship requires empathy, active listening and meaningful support”.

Another peer mentor and Chairman of the University Hall Students Association, Muhammad Jawad Ghassan (BEng, year 5) agreed, “The programme enabled whole-person development of the mentees, and enhanced my understanding of leadership and youth development. Seeing the transformation of my three mentees from shy individuals to confident participants was profoundly rewarding”.

Donald Leung (BSS, year 4), coordinator of the project, agreed the programme was a success. He added that with further support, the programme could be extended to Yuen Long, with the hope of benefiting more local youth and creating a deeper, more lasting impact on their personal development and career exploration.

The project was funded by the Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS) at HKU. Laurence Tang, Head of Campus Life of HKU, expressed that the programme empowered local youth through mentorship, exposure and connections, helping them explore diverse opportunities and plan for their futures. By connecting participants of different ethnic origins and backgrounds, the programme also promoted social inclusion and cultural integration in local community.

For enquiries, please contact:
Ada Leung, CEDARS (Tel.: 3917 2305 | Email: cedars@hku.hk)

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