Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (LEAD) 2024-25: A Journey of Growth and Service-Learning
- cuhk seds
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
LEAD Programme introduces the Mentor-Mentee system this year. 8 LEAD Mentors are trained through a progressing learning process to prepare 44 mentees both mentally and physically for their two-week overseas service-learning tour in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Vietnam during Christmas.
Service-Learning Tour Highlights
Sri Lanka
Special Needs Project, supporting women, girls, and children with disabilities through daily assistance and meaningful interactions.
Taught English to local children and renovated a clinic for pregnant mothers, transforming it into an accessible space for families-friendly area.
Nepal
Conducted English lessons, participated in cultural exchange activities, and environmental initiatives, including heritage site cleaning and sustainability awareness projects.
Bridging cultural and educational gaps while promoting cross-cultural understanding in Government high schools.
Vietnam
Renovated a kindergarten, built a protective fence to safeguard the village from wild animals, and engaged in volunteer teaching.
The project empowered local women, helping to foster sustainable economic opportunities within the community.
Reflections from Mentors
Sri Lanka Mentor - Hugo LUK, Year 2 Molecular Biotechnology Student
"Leading a group of mentees was definitely not an easy task. This valuable experience pushed me to improve my leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. I came to realise that each individual had their own strengths and challenges. Throughout the journey, I also learned that mentorship is a reciprocal process—both mentors and mentees grow and learn from each other."
Nepal Mentor - Johnas TSANG, Year 3 Mechanical and Automation Engineering Student
"This experience enhanced my leadership skills while presenting unexpected challenges and rewards. I was particularly impressed by how efficiently the mentees learned and collaborated, ensuring smooth and successful teaching activities. They created a dynamic and engaging learning environment for local students, which will hopefully leave a long-lasting positive impact."
Vietnam Mentor - Joey CHEUNG, Year 3 Translation Student
"One of my mentees experienced an emotional breakdown due to frustration with his work. I approached the situation with empathy, allowing him to express his feelings while helping him understand the impact of his actions on others. This incident reinforced the importance of self-management and emotional intelligence. It was a pivotal moment that strengthened my belief in the power of mentorship—leadership is not just about guiding others, but also about creating a safe space for others to grow.”
Looking Ahead
The Summer LEAD Programme teams will continue to nurture compassionate and responsible leaders, fostering a strong spirit of collaboration, service, and cross-cultural exchange. They will embark on service-learning projects in Mongolia and South Africa, contributing to community development, education, and sustainability efforts.