The University encourages students to serve the community through voluntary service. Alumna Joanna Wong and student Cai Hao (Religious Studies, Year 4) were selected to participate in a six-month assignment under the second United Nations Volunteers (UNV) – Hong Kong Universities Volunteer Programme.

Joanna Wong was selected to support communication work, which included conducting interviews and monitoring social media for the United Nations Development Programme located in Timor-Leste. With a major in International Journalism during her studies in HKBU, she applied her knowledge in compiling and editing English articles and press releases for the Programme. She overcame many difficulties despite the fact that living conditions in Timor-Leste are far less ideal than in Hong Kong. She said: “In Timor-Leste, there is no public transportation after six o’clock in the evening. People have to drive or take a taxi which is expensive in the city. In the end, I bought myself a bicycle so I could ride to and from the office on highways every day.” She said cycling helped her build up courage and confidence. Meanwhile, Cai Hao was selected to support the monitoring, evaluation and strategic planning of the United Nations Development Programme located in Laos.

Funded by the Home Affairs Bureau of the HKSAR Government, the volunteer programme was launched by Agency for Volunteer Service, with support from Hong Kong Volunteers Association and Peace and Development Foundation.