USJ Student Ambassadors Represent Macau at the 1st Joint Catholic Universities Service-Learning Programme
USJ Student Ambassadors Represent Macau at the 1st Joint Catholic Universities Service-Learning Programme
01
Jul
01/07/2026
Service-learning student ambassadors Casey Hio and Charlie Saw represented USJ at the 1st Joint Catholic Universities Service-Learning Programme, hosted by Saint Francis University in Hong Kong.
Two service-learning student ambassadors from the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) recently represented the university at the 1st Joint Catholic Universities Service-Learning Programme, hosted by Saint Francis University in Hong Kong from 24 to 28 June 2026.
Bachelor of Psychology student Casey Hio Leng Cheong and Bachelor of Environmental Science student Charlie Saw Khin Maung Maung joined participants from three other Catholic institutions from Taiwan including Fu Jen Catholic University, Providence University, and Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, alongside the host institution from Hong Kong. The programme, held under the theme “Love in the Service of Hope: Cyber Youth – The Loss and Loneliness?”, brought the students together to explore the impact of digital life on the well-being of young people.
Designed to promote intercultural learning and service, the programme combined academic seminars, community engagement and collaborative service projects addressing one of today’s most pressing social challenges: the impact of the digital world on the wellbeing of young people.
Over the five days, participants attended seminars led by academics, psychologists, and social workers, addressing topics such as cyber victimisation, loneliness among young people, artificial intelligence and companionship, online mental health support, and related public policy responses. Students also visited Caritas youth services and other community organisations to learn from practitioners directly engaged with young people facing these challenges.
Working in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams, Casey and Charlie collaborated with students from the partner universities to design and deliver a “Digital Crisis” workshop for primary school students. The experience allowed participants to apply their knowledge in a real-world educational setting while developing communication, teamwork and leadership skills. The programme concluded with a community outreach activity, during which students prepared and distributed meals to people experiencing homelessness in Hong Kong, followed by a collective reflection on service, solidarity and social responsibility
Prof. Vitor Manuel dos Santos Teixeira, Coordinator of Service Learning at USJ, spoke to O Clarim recently about the university’s commitment to preparing students for active citizenship. He noted that service learning at USJ connects classroom learning with genuine community needs, fostering civic responsibility, ethical awareness, and collaborative problem-solving. “Transforming each person into an agent of positive change in the community,” he said, reflects the university’s mission to integrate academic excellence with meaningful social engagement.
This initiative reflects USJ’s ongoing commitment to Service Learning as a pedagogical approach that integrates academic learning with meaningful community engagement. By collaborating with partner Catholic universities in the region, USJ continues to provide students with transformative learning experiences that encourage empathy, critical reflection, and a dedication to the common good.
USJ congratulates Casey and Charlie on their representation of the university and extends its appreciation to Saint Francis University and all partner institutions for organising this valuable international service-learning initiative.
