In collaboration with Wong Tai Sin Integrated Home Care Services of Christian Family Service Centre, the Student Affairs Office of HKMU organized the “Best Wishes to the Elderly: Life Education Programme” earlier to inspire students to reflect on the meaning of life. The programme also aims to promote life education to solitary elderly, to assist them to better prepare for their after-death arrangements, and to fulfill their wishes.

More than 20 students participated in the Programme. A series of experiential activities and talks related to life education including visit to coffin showroom, niches and the garden of remembrance were arranged by the University for them to learn more about the current burial and funeral services available in Hong Kong.

Students were then divided into small groups to visit 8 elders who live alone. During the visit, they interviewed the elderly to learn about their life stories, discussed life and death matters with them through interactive game, and helped them plan for the after-death arrangements. Students also took the initiative to understand their wishes and make them come true. For example, they accompanied an old lady to visit the Chinese restaurant and park where her husband used to go with her. They also brought an old man in wheelchair to a traditional Chinese restaurant on Tai Mo Shan for tea and to Central by ferry for a ride on ferris wheel.

Through the service learning programmes, the University hopes that students can integrate their academic knowledge and skills to serve the community, learn and reflect during the process, and achieve whole-person development.