The “Chongqing: Past and Present Through the War of Resistance” Youth Exchange Sharing Session, organized by the Centum Charitas Foundation and sponsored by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Youth Development Commission, was successfully held. More than 40 participants, guests, and staff attended. The sharing session not only provided a platform for interaction and exchange but also showcased Charitas’ efforts in broadening youth’s horizons and enhancing their national identity.
On the day of the sharing session, Ms. Leung Yuen Ping, Chief Executive of the Centum Charitas Foundation, and participants were in attendance. We were also fortunate to invite several guests, including Mr. Leung Yuk Wai, JP, Vice-chairman of the Youth Development Commission; Ms. Yam Lai Sim , Social Work Officer of the Social Welfare Department ; Mr. ORR Ka Yeung, Executive Vice Chairman of Centum Charitas Foundation; Ms. Tsui Ka Man, Supervisor of the Po Leung Kuk Youth Services Department, Mr. Tsang Yee Hung, Director of Career and Life Planning Service at Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited, and instructors from various organizations. Afterwards, Ms. Leung presented the Best Thematic Presentation Team Awards and the Best Individual Member Awards.
The students in the “Chongqing: Past and Present Through the War of Resistance” exchange group presented their findings on four themes: “The Years of Resistance – The Preciousness of Peace,” “What Can Hong Kong Learn from Chongqing’s Re-industrial Development,” “A Comparison of Youth Popular Culture in Chongqing and Hong Kong,” and “How Chongqing’s Revitalized Community Development Can Be Applied to Hong Kong.” Following the presentations, some students shared their personal reflections with their mentors. Lin, a student, expressed that through visiting the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Liaison Office in Chongqing, she realized that the office is not only an important bridge promoting cultural, academic, and economic exchanges and cooperation between the two places, but also a solid support system providing assistance to Hong Kong residents and students in mainland China. Walking through the 816 Underground Nuclear Project Site, seeing the rock walls covered with chisel marks, she felt the hardship of countless builders who worked anonymously to construct this massive project. Their sweat protected the peace of the motherland, allowing the students to deeply understand how to transform patriotism into action. Peng, another student, expressed that visiting the Chongqing Bombing Historical Site and learning about the true history of the War of Resistance left her feeling both heavy-hearted and deeply moved. Through precious old photographs, historical artifacts, and explanations, she deeply felt the indomitable spirit of the Chongqing people who protected their city with their own flesh and blood, and understood how hard-won peace is. During the screening of a captivating retrospective video, participants shared anecdotes, fully demonstrating the warmth and joy among team members.
Mr. ORR Ka Yeung, Executive Vice Chairman of Centum Charitas Foundation, on behalf of the foundation, thanked all teams and members of the exchange group organizing committee for their hard work, dedication, and commitment in providing pre-event assistance and thematic presentations, which added value to the exchange activities.
