Over 120 CityU students visited the Oi Man Manor of Education, near Gaoming in Guangdong, between 11 and 13 January.
In addition to exploring the beauty of nature and experiencing the simplicity of farm life at the camp, the students also attended a series of training workshops, which focused on self-awareness, effective communication and social etiquette. Many students walked away from the experience saying they were more motivated than before and intended to expand their knowledge base for personal growth and enrichment.
The students who attended the Gaoming farm were participants in this year's Executive Mentoring Scheme (EMS), organized by Student Development Services (SDS). The mentoring scheme, introduced in 2000, aims to enhance the personal and professional development of students. Applicants are required to submit a book report, a website report and a celebrity report, and to attend an interview.
After a prudent selection process, a total of 136 students was admitted to the third EMS programme. A grand reception was held on 1 March for the mentees to meet their new mentors. This year, 74 experienced professionals and business executives from the community, as well as senior staff members and distinguished alumni of the University, were invited to serve as mentors.
In his welcoming remarks, Professor Edmond Ko, Vice-President for Education and Dean of Students, thanked both mentors and their charges for their enthusiastic support. He also encouraged the students to learn from their mentors and said they would find the EMS a beneficial experience in their life.
Also participating in the event were members from the first and second EMS programme. Miss Helen Or Ka-wai, from the Department of Management Sciences, said, "After joining the EMS, I'm more willing to take on new challenges and am more motivtaed towards self-improvement. " Another former member, Mr William Lau, also said he had gained
practical advice from his mentor in regards to career planning and development.
EMS mentors said they found that they gained as much as they gave. They were able to build up a meaningful relationship with their mentees for mutual enrichment. And through sharing with their charges, the mentors were kept up to date on how young people nowadays think and feel.
