Joint Humanitarian Entrepreneurship Summer Academy Service Learning in Chengdu

In Beijing, students broadened their horizon by acquiring new knowledge in science and technology in related to global development, humanitarian aid, social innovation and entrepreneurship both in classroom and through field visits. In the following weeks, Service-Learning as an essential component of the joint humanitarian and entrepreneurship training allowed students to test classroom knowledge by conducting field research in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.

 

Between two cities: Beijing and Chengdu

To enable students cover all aspects of the course during field research in Chengdu, they were classified into research groups based on the following five Sustainable Development Goals: No Poverty (SDG #1), Health and Well-being (SDG#3), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG#11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG#12) and Partnerships for Goals (SDG#17). Each group comprised of four or five students with diversity in academic background, nationality, and gender.

 

SDG 17, Partnerships for Goals group members in a field visit with their mentor

The groups identified issues to examine in Chengdu as related to their focus SDGs. They were expected to apply theoretical classroom knowledge and use research to generate empirical evidence in solving social problems. For instance, those responsible for SDG 12 looked at Responsible Consumption and Production, specifically focused at food and plastic waste from restaurants. Other issues included career training in community (SDG 1), road safety problems that children are facing in Chengdu (SDG 3), sustainable transportation system in Chengdu city (SDG 11), and partnership in disaster response (SDG 17).   

 

Research Topic for SDG 11 Students

Research Based Service-Learning projects in Chengdu enabled students to interact with local communities, non-governmental organizations, and social enterprises operating in the area. They also worked closely with one or two development practitioners or experts in technology and innovation who served as research instructors or mentors.

Students interacting with children in the community

With mentorship and supervision of the instructors, students designed research plans with detailed research objectives, questions, and methodology; they collected data from the communities, NGOs, and businesses; they analyzed data and developed new ideas and strategies to solve the challenges identified. 

Students collecting data from a restaurant in Chengdu

Innovative ideas popped up during the field research. A management app was designed to help restaurants track food inventory and reduce food waste in accordance to SDG #12. A wristwatch for children that would function on GPS was introduced to alert drivers when little children are within the blind spots of cars as a way of reducing child mortality on the roads which is in line with SDG #3.  Relevant to SDG 11, from field research students discovered that public transportation is not fully accessible to persons with disabilities; therefore, it was recommended that public buses should be equipped with spaces for wheelchairs.      

 

Children’s Road Safety Innovative Solution

Preliminary consultations on field research was done in one of Xihua University halls in order to assess progress and provide direction for thorough completion of the Service-Learning projects in Chengdu. The session allowed groups to present first drafts of field research work and seek feedback from experts and fellow students. 

 

First draft presentations and consultations 

Besides, all students were accommodated on the Xihua University campus; the lodging arrangement made it more convenient for them to physically meet anytime and discuss about their projects.

 SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing Students finalizing their work at the Hotel Lobby   

By the final day of the summer academy, students had completed research work and made PowerPoint presentations to disseminate research findings, and shared experiences and interesting moments in the field. The closing event was as spectacular as the inauguration ceremony in Beijing. Distinguished panelists who were judges, mentors, invited guests and all students filled a meeting room in Xihua University for a final moment.

Students making final presentations

The judges evaluated research outcomes and the proposed innovative solutions by probing more on the feasibility of the emerging ideas and solutions from presentations. When good things come to an end, it was ripe for students to be awarded certificates for their participation into the program, whereas extraordinary roles played by mentors, organizers and indeed many others in the four weeks of summer academy were duly acknowledged.

Jubilant faces receiving certificates

 

SDG 1-No Poverty Group after getting awards

Deping, Teaching Assistant for the program receiving his recognition

 

Dr. Zhang making closing remarks

 

Congratulations!

The joys of seeing the whole function ending successfully should have led Dr. Ko to take the students out for lunch in a nice restaurant and then to Karaoke for debriefing, drinks and stage performances.

Enjoying the spicy Sichuan dish

Students were empowered not only in knowledge but also in how to use the knowledge and a set of humanitarian and entrepreneurship skills in solving global challenges to achieve SDGs and make a significant difference in the society.  They were asking when is the next similar event while dancing and singing at KTV.

Relaxing in KTV

Time to go home

 

Good times together

They shared so much as team

 

 

 

 

Written By: Lwana Palwendo Kamanga

Edited By: Xu Shiling

Photos: Multiple Sources