Last December, 21 students embarked on the “Chile Cultural Exchange & Environmental Conservation Tour”, traveling to the country in South America. By visiting Santiago, Pucon, and Valparaiso, students engaged in deep cultural and environmental exchanges through site visits and children’s services. In this issue, six participating students, Fan Mun Sum, Liu Yee Ching, Ng Ki Ki, Kwong Sum Yee, Wong Mo Tien, Xia Zitong, shared how this South American journey inspired them to rethink the true meaning of nature, cultural differences, and social services.

Q: Environmental conservation was a core theme of this trip. How did Chile’s sustainable development and natural landscapes challenge or inspire you all?

A: The most eye-opening experience was our visit to Organicultura. Contrary to the perception that environmental initiatives are usually unprofitable or financially struggling, Organicultura collects organic waste from restaurants and composts it to produce fertilisers for sale, demonstrating waste reduction can become a profitable and self-sustaining business. This visit provided us with an insight into how to integrate commercial interests and environmental ethics.

Chile’s natural diversity gave us another valuable lesson. At Cajon del Maipo, we immersed ourselves in a landscape of rugged rocks and sandy terrain, observing native cacti thriving in such an arid climate contrasted sharply with the lush greenery we encountered in the south. It reminded us of nature’s resilience and capacity to flourish even in the most challenging conditions.

Guided by local guides, we also trekked through the Villarrica region, walking beneath an ice-covered volcano. Watching this magnificent scene and listening to the chirping birds, we realised the natural beauty of Chile. It also deeply reminded us of the urgency and importance of protecting these geologically significant habitats.

Q: To foster cross-cultural exchange, your group organised some activities related to Hong Kong culture for residents. What were your moments of resonance with the local youth and volunteers?

A: We prepared various hands-on activities, such as creating Chinese New Year decorations, painting classical Chinese landscapes, and making Hong Kong’s iconic neon signs. We initially worried about the language barrier, but we found that cultural experience activities is a universal language. During the neon sign workshop, we taught participants how to write Chinese characters stroke by stroke, and shared the historical significance of neon signs in Hong Kong. When the session ended, everyone was reluctant to leave. We exchanged social media accounts, deeply feeling the power of cultural interaction.

Building relationships with local volunteers over those 14 days also prompted deep cultural reflection. We shared glimpses of our life in Hong Kong—our fast-paced, efficiency-driven lifestyle, and the heavy emphasis we place on education and work. In return, the local volunteers gave us a genuine taste of Chilean hospitality with their warmth and kindness. In these everyday moments, we realised that “cultural difference” is not an abstract concept, but something real and heartwarming rooted in every conversation.

To introduce Hong Kong’s culture and customs to our Chilean friends, the group prepared various activities such as creating Chinese New Year decorations, painting classical Chinese landscapes, and making Hong Kong’s iconic neon signs.

Q: The final part of the journey involved children’s service. We heard there were unexpected challenges. How did this experience reshape your understanding of “service”?

A: It was a lesson in adaptability! Prior to our departure, we carefully designed games and craft projects in Hong Kong. However, plans are often subject to change. The number of participants fluctuated, venues were rescheduled multiple times, and our final itinerary was only confirmed on the eve of the service.

The language barrier was our biggest hurdle during the service. The children’s English levels varied significantly, leading to frequent misunderstandings. We had to abandon our original scripts and rely on simple vocabulary, awkward gestures, and facial expressions. We initially felt quite nervous and self-conscious.

However, the children’s pure sincerity and enthusiasm gradually put us at ease, allowing us to fully engage. This experience taught us a vital lesson: true understanding does not depend solely on language. A willingness to express goodwill can bridge any gap. We also realised that helping others is never a one-way process. While serving the children, we were deeply moved by their smiles, which encouraged us to reflect on our own approaches to life. Perhaps this is the ultimate meaning of service: by striving to shine on others, we are simultaneously given the opportunity to better understand ourselves.

During the stay at YMCA Valparaiso, the group engaged in children's service activities and cultural exchange within the community.

Student Reporters Fan Mun Sum, Liu Yee Ching, Ng Ki Ki, Kwong Sum Yee, Wong Mo Tien, Xia Zitong