This year, six students from Form 4 and Form 5 accompanied by three teachers embarked on a service trip to Rwanda again to give a helping hand to local residents. From July 18th to 28th, they participated in a service-learning exchange program in Rwanda organized by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Alongside students and teachers from four other secondary schools and several university students, we traveled to Cyaruhinda village in the Rwamagana district in eastern Rwanda. We helped install solar panels and lights, addressing the electricity needs of over four hundred impoverished families in remote mountainous regions.

Throughout the experience, our students had the opportunity to collaborate with peers from different schools and backgrounds, including students from the Islamic Kasim Tuet Memorial College. Regardless of race, they worked together to assist local residents, fostering core values such as ethnic harmony, empathy, and unity. Additionally, they visited Rwanda's central business district, witnessing its vibrancy, which prompted reflections on the stark wealth disparities present in the region.

5A (3) CHEUNG TSZ HEI

I have seen Africa through the Internet and TV ads. I believed that Africa was a continent of poverty, chaos, and that one's experience there would leave much to be desired. Yet, I thought to myself, stepping into the unknown could reap unexpected benefits, so I decided to join and luckily got enlisted with my fellow peers to help the local villagers. Now that this trip is over, I believe I made the right decision and have no regrets.

During this trip, my entire worldview of African countries changed drastically. For example, the technological and economic divide between the city centre and the local villages was larger than I expected. When we visited the Kigali Heights, the technology there was not advanced, but up to standards. While in the local villages, they don't even have electricity. The poverty there was still unexpected, in the past I've done an English paper 3 mock exam and remembered a recording telling us how children in poor countries would try to guilt tourists into buying products from them, even though they earn no income through it. On the trip, I experienced it first hand. It made me more content and thankful of the life I'm living, when there are others who are less fortunate. It made me appreciate my parents more for giving me this comfortable life that I'll cherish forever.

When my teammates and I were setting up the lights for the first house out of the eight we were going to do for this trip, we were in disarray. The lack of communication and coordination led to us only completing one house on day one. While we were feeling frustrated, our teacher in charge said that we should have a leader to better our teamwork and communication and then chose me as the leader. At first, I had many doubts about this new role I was playing as I haven't been a leader in a while and wasn't confident in my own abilities. Still, venturing into the unknown was already my motto for this trip, so I decided to pick up the mantle and do my best to lead my team. When I started to lead them on the second day, it went way more smoothly than the first day. We were communicating, planning our wire routes, and coming up with the best placement for the lights and solar panels together. I was anxious at the time, but eventually being a leader just became second nature. With our teamwork getting better, our team started to enjoy helping the villagers set up their lights and electricity while also bonding together as a group. Those days were times that I'll never forget.

As the saying goes, 'Travelling is all about exploring an unknown land and discovering about yourself'. When I departed Rwanda, I've realized I've gained new insights about the world around me and discovered new things about myself. I'm glad I got to go on this trip and taking the first step in discovering about my true self and I hope I'll use my insights to better myself for the future.

4D (11) HO WING TIM

It was my pleasure to have the opportunity to travel to Rwanda. We went there to help disadvantaged families install light bulbs to improve their living standards. Before going to Rwanda, we needed to learn how to connect the light bulbs, batteries, and solar panels.

During this trip, I learned that the digital divide between Rwanda's cities and remote regions is quite significant. In the most prosperous places, the shopping centers have sufficient electricity supply, while people in the remote region have no access to electricity at all.

I also learned how to communicate effectively with others. In our group, we had a local youth to help us. On the first day, our group and the local youth had different ideas about how to connect the light bulbs and solar panels with the wires. Moreover, as we kept using Cantonese to communicate, our local youth felt a bit left out. Therefore, on the second day, we tried to communicate with her before installing the solar panels. By the last day, we were able to communicate as friends and share about our countries, like how our education systems work. This trip taught me that effective communication plays a crucial role in helping us achieve success.

Our local youth Genne, also taught us how to greet the locals. 'Muraho' (pronounced as Mor-ra-ho) is used for greeting adults, while 'bite' (pronounced as bee-tay) is used for greeting children. The children were very cute and enthusiastic about saying hello with us.

The most unforgettable moment in Rwanda was after the installation of the solar panels. We had a celebration party. The children from the village came and played with us, and I enjoyed dancing with them, feeling like we are in the same big family. Furthermore, I was quite surprised that the people in one village we met while we were travelling to the Safari in Rwanda wake up as early as 2 a.m. every Sunday to run 100 kilometers. I also enjoyed playing with the new friends we met from other Hong Kong schools every night.

Traveling to Africa, installing solar panels and light bulbs for poor families, visiting the safari and seeing various animals, and communicating with the local children were truly unforgettable experiences.

4A (31) XU LI YUAN

It has been 3 days since I came back to Hong Kong from Rwanda. I was proud and grateful that I participated in this activity. I have learned a lot and grown on this eye-opening journey. Now, let me talk about it.

Let's talk about what I expected before I went on the trip. I imagined a lot about African countries. I thought there would be a scurvy environment with scarce water, food and low development of economy and technology. Also, health issues are the most of my worries. I thought almost everyone there was sick and malnourished, as I had seen in charity advertising. I went in search of the truth, via the exploration of Rwanda.

On the first day, I arrived at Hong Kong Airport earlier than the official time with an excited and nervous heart. Then, we started our long flight. It lasted more than ten hours. It was surprising that 4 in-flight meals were served during the flying time. Sleeping and eating were a loop for me. After this peaceful and relaxing time, we finally arrived in Rwanda.

The next day, we went to Kigali Genocide Memorial. The visit to the Memorial has become the most unforgettable and emotional part of the trip for me. There is a genocide survivor as a guide to introduce the painful history and facts about the genocide to us. There are pictures remains, even broken skulls of the sufferers in the Memorial.

When I came into a room and saw numerous photos of the dead hanging on the wall, I couldn't help crying. I could not imagine how painful it was for the dead to suffer the catastrophe. They were smiling in those photos, but their lives have gone with the wind. That made me realized how real history is. Genocide really happened and was close to us. Knowing the cause of the genocide, I learned about the importance of education, individual will, critical thinking and racial equality. These criteria make our society better and harmonious. Receiving education, we can make the right decision to oppose and refuse the ridiculous and immoral requirement from leaders.

That also gave me the impetus to study and learn more about history to develop sound values. I noticed the "Remembrance and Learning" written on the door tag of the Memorial. I did really remember and learn from history.

On the third day, we went to the safari. We got in a jeep in the early morning and went to see animals like zebras, hippos and antelopes. Along the way, the driver explained the habits and fun facts of the animals. I was very lucky to see different kinds of animals, such as giraffes, black rhino, buffalo, and lions. I took a lot of photos of them. The journey was eye-opening.

After the relatively easy sections in the trip, we ushered in the work stage. On the first working day, the team's cooperation was a bit rusty. There were some minor disagreements during the installation of the solar panels and wire. However, with our combined efforts, we exceeded our goals.

At night, we had a reflection of our performance that day. We candidly pointed out the shortcomings and weaknesses of our team cooperation, in order to improve the work afterwards. We also made a clear division of labour, to make work more efficient. Some of the team members were responsible for arranging the routing of the wires; some were responsible for driving the nails; some were responsible for supervising the local youth to work; while I was responsible for connecting the wire to the splitters, switches and the DC connector.

Therefore, we had a great improvement over the following days. We finished wiring 3 houses within a day. Although the process was tiring and difficult, it was extremely satisfying to complete the wiring of a house and turn on the light bulbs successfully. I learned how important teamwork is. Without the cooperation of our teammates and the local youth, it was impossible to reach the target on our own. I also learned to be patient and not to complain when I faced difficulties.

The most important part of teamwork is communication. We need to communicate with a positive tone and appropriate wording to avoid confrontation. Besides, listening carefully is essential. Receiving the instructions clearly from the beginning can avoid wasting time on asking the same questions later.

On the eighth day, we joined the celebration before we left the village. I enjoyed dancing with the locals. Joy and happiness permeated the atmosphere. I felt the connection between people. I also felt that when I interacted with the locals, said hello and waved to them in the past days. It brought satisfaction to my soul when I saw their responses and smiles. That was what money couldn't buy.

By the conclusion of the nine-day journey, my perspective on Rwanda had been altered. It is not as backward and chaotic as it is often imagined. In reality, it boasts a commendable level of public security, and its inhabitants are exceedingly hospitable. Additionally, the majority of the population maintains a normal degree of health.

However, the availability and resource of water and food remains limited and precious, and not every individual is able to partake in the benefits of a high-tech lifestyle and a high standard of living. This reflection enhances my gratitude for the contented life I currently enjoy, and instills in me a strong desire to dedicate my efforts to aid those in need in Africa, thereby enhancing their quality of life and spreading joy around the world. I hope such significant service-learning programs can continue to be held. I am so grateful that I could participate in this program. I did learn, contribute, and grow a lot.

今年本校師生再度前往盧旺達服務當地居民，六位中四及中五同學在三位教師的帶領下，於七月十八日至二十八日期間，參加了由香港理工大學主辦的盧旺達服務學習交流團，連同另外四間中學的師生、大學生及當地青年，合共260多人，一同前往非洲盧旺達東部Rwamagana區的村落Cyaruhinda，幫助當地村民安裝太陽能板和電燈，解決了超過四百戶山區窮困家庭的用電問題。

過程中，本校學生有機會跟來自不同學校、不同背景的學生合作，包括伊斯蘭脫維善紀念中學。大家不分種族、同心合力協助當地居民，培育族裔共融、同理心等核心價值觀。另外，我們亦到訪了盧旺達的核心商業區，見識了這非洲國家繁華的一面，更令人反思當地的貧富懸殊問題。

4D (27) 黃泊銍

說殺人方還要受訓練，在20分鐘殺死1000個人，甚至連小孩都不放過，最殘忍的做法是把小孩活活撞死在牆上，殘忍程度令人髮指。展館內展有受害者的相片，甚至頭髏，令人感到恐懼。經過這一次參觀，我認識到階級、歧視、偏見帶來的後果，其中的殘忍令我畢生難忘。

另一景點是盧旺達的城市中心(Kigali Heights)。在缺水的國家，城市中心竟然有噴水池，這令我大開眼界，那裏的食物也十分高級，完全不像落後地區的餐廳。直至下村為當地村民安裝太陽能板，連接電燈，我才發現盧旺達的窮困處，雖然城市中心有噴水池，村民卻需要步行到數公里外的井口取水，再步行數公里回家，才能得到一桶水。大部分村民甚至連基礎照明的電燈也沒有，屋內漆黑一片。我甚至沒有看到村民做飯的廚房，不知道他們如何生火做飯。連基本生活條件都欠奉，我為當地村民感到同情。雖然微小，希望這次安裝電燈可以幫到他們。

在野生動物園，我近距離看到了很多動物，感到十分新奇。雖然我不是十分感興趣，但這也是一個新奇的體驗。

最後，經過這十天，我了解到盧旺達的環境、風土人情和歷史，亦在幫助村民的過程中，實踐了所學的物理知識，這趟旅程令我見識到了世界的不同，令我獲益良多。

4B (24) 葉芷婷

在這次盧旺達交流團中，令我最印象深刻的是當地的貧富差異。

在他們最富有的地區—Kigali，那裏的建築物和香港的沒太大差異，當我走進市區中，幾乎忘記自己身處在非洲。如果想要進入商場還要經過安檢，在商場裏有不同國家的特色餐廳，例如法國餐廳，這跟我預想中的非洲很大分別。在香港看得見的宣傳片段中所提到的非洲是非常貧窮的，彷彿到處都是沙漠，人們都得不到三餐的溫飽，但現實並非如此。另外值得一提的是當地人的生活節奏非常悠閒，工作節奏也一樣，好讓我們靜下心來欣賞四周環境和朋友聊聊天，放慢我們原本急速的生活節奏。

但當我們真正入到村裏時，發現他們的生活環境與市區的大不同，在村內沒有真正的路，全都是崎嶇不平的山地，所有他們走過的地方就成了路，充分體驗「路是人走出來的」這句話。他們的屋由一磚一板砌成，不涉及一根鋼筋。他們的屋不設有廁所，即使是相對富有的人家也不例外，可想而知城市與村裏的貧富差距。

在安裝電燈時，我發現組員之間擅長的事情和做事的方式也不同。在最初的時候，大家都習慣自己做自己的事，缺乏溝通，令到進展緩慢。經過第一晚的組內反思，大家學習分工、溝通和聆聽，工作流程變得順暢。經過這次經歷，我明白到應該要多和組員溝通和聆聽，才能達到合作的目的。

最後在整個旅程中，最深刻的經歷是結識不同擁有有趣靈魂的朋友，和他們促膝詳談後，發現他們的都擁有不同的特性和性格，令我更加學會如何與不同人磨合。相信在這個旅程中學會的知識和技巧，能在以後人生道路上為我帶來幫助。

5D (2) 陳翰弘

今年我有幸能參與理工大學舉辦的盧旺達交流團。在這十日的交流活動中，我們與其他同學以及當地青年一起協助盧旺達的村落安裝太陽能板。這次旅程充滿很多人生第一次—第一次踏足非洲，第一次到盧旺達，第一次親手搭建電路，造就一次難忘的非洲之旅。

人們對非洲的印象普遍比較落後，腦海中浮現一個個營養不良的兒童，以及饑荒與疾病橫行的景象。而這些非洲固有印象卻與我在盧旺達所見的大為不同，街上看不到因感染疾病而臥床不起的人，反而看到人們熱情地向我們揮手，更曾有小孩在我們離開的時候追著車尾揮手說再見。

我印象最深刻的景象是當地的小孩用布與橡皮筋包成一個球，以馬路旁的雜草作邊界踢足球，即使他們沒有正規的球鞋、足球，甚至連龍門框也沒有，卻仍然享受踢球的樂趣，而生活在香港的我們卻埋怨自己的生活品質不及別人。看著當地居民不富裕但無憂無慮的生活，再比較在香港的生活，人們即使擁有豐富的物質生活，卻時常覺得生活壓力大，終日悶悶不樂；反觀盧旺達當地居民，即便家中不太富裕，沒有手機電視等娛樂工具，有些較貧窮的家連電燈泡也沒有，卻依然樂在其中，心境開朗，令我不感反思：若我們能夠與學習他們知足常樂的心態，心境是否會更開朗？

非洲並不是熱門的旅遊勝地，因此人們覺得去盧旺達簡直遙不可及，想要到當地幫助改善居民生活品質更是天方夜譚，但藉著這次交流團，我才有機會見識到世界另一面的景色，同時又能幫忙改善當地人的生活水平，是「非」常難得的。未來學習的路途上若還有機會，我必定會回到盧旺達，運用自己在學校學到的專業知識繼續協助改善當地生活。