Bridging Paths, Building Futures: USJ Mentorship Programme 25/26 Concludes with a Celebration of Growth and Gratitude
Bridging Paths, Building Futures: USJ Mentorship Programme 25/26 Concludes with a Celebration of Growth and Gratitude
12
May
12/05/2026
The USJ Mentorship Programme 25/26 officially wrapped up on 9 May 2026, marking the end of a transformative eight-month journey.
The USJ Mentorship Programme for the academic year 2025/2026 officially wrapped up on 9 May 2026, marking the end of a transformative seven-month journey. Sponsored by the Macao Foundation, this year’s programme brought together 6 dedicated mentors and 13 enthusiastic mentees—19 participants in total—from the fields of psychology, social work, environmental sciences, education, and more.
From initial group meet-ups to the final reflective session, the programme fostered meaningful intergenerational connections through five signature events.
Kickoff & Creative Bonding (November 2025)
The programme officially commenced on 29 November 2025 at the Student Lounge, Ilha Verde Campus, with a unique Circle Painting workshop led by Ms. Ivy Ieong, a former mentor from the previous Mentorship Programme. This innovative art activity served as a powerful icebreaker, helping mentors and mentees establish rapport organically before diving into the programme’s core objectives of community building.
Cultural Cuisine Workshop – A Taste of Macao (December 2025)
To strengthen bonds through Macao heritage, participants gathered at Belos Tempos on 16 December 2025 for a workshop hosted by Mrs. Ana Maria Manhão Sou, a renowned preserver of Macanese culinary culture. The focus was the iconic Portuguese egg tart. From kneading dough to pouring custard, mentors and mentees worked side-by-side. The session culminated in a communal dinner filled with conversation as mentors and mentees shared experiences and anecdotes from the programme so far, adding warmth to the winter evening.
Board Game & Pizza Night (January 2026)
Held on the 18th floor of the Residential Hall on 23 January 2026, this relaxed evening combined comfort food with strategic gameplay. Specially selected board games encouraged conversation and laughter, breaking down barriers not just within individual mentor-mentees pairs but across different groups. The lively atmosphere allowed participants to discover each other’s personalities and thinking styles in a fun, pressure-free setting.
Pickleball Experience (February 2026)
At Fisherman’s Wharf on 18 February 2026, the mentorship group traded classroom discussions for paddles and balls. The afternoon of pickleball was filled with healthy competition and sportsmanship, followed by a casual catch-up session that further solidified the bonds formed over the preceding months.
Grand Wrap-up: Blind Walk & Certificate Ceremony (May 2026)
The programme concluded on a deeply meaningful note with a blind walk experience on 9 May 2026 hosted by Mr. Eric Leong, a mentor from the very first USJ Mentorship Programme in 2021. Through interactive games and a simulated navigation exercise, participants gained profound insight into the daily lives of visually impaired individuals in modern society. Both mentors and mentees described the activity as incredibly valuable.
Following the exercise, Ms. Jenny Lam, head of the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs (OSAA), presented certificates of appreciation to the mentors in recognition of their dedication. Certificates of completion were also awarded to the mentees, celebrating their active participation and personal growth.
The remaining lunchtime became a heartfelt sharing session. Each of the six groups demonstrated remarkably strong bonds, a testament to the programme’s success. Mentees expressed deep honor in having the opportunity to join the programme, noting that they not only gained career insights but also formed genuine friendships with their mentors. Mentors, in turn, shared their own reflections: the programme offered them a precious chance to give back to their alma mater and guide the next generation of USJ students.
The university again extends its deepest gratitude to all mentors, including Mr. Warren Man Ho Li, Ms. Janice Chan Hang Wai, Mr. Wilson Manuel Ferreira Lei, Ms. Tammy Chau Chi Tong, Ms. Maria Kwak Sheli, Ms. Sharon Teng Hui Lee, and mentees who contributed to another year of mentorship and growth. The USJ Mentorship Programme 25/26 stands as a shining example of collaborative growth, leaving behind a legacy of friendship, empathy, and shared purpose.
