In June 2024, a team of 20 university students from the Hong Kong Red Cross University Club traveled to Nepal for a nine-day programme to promote health education, community engagement, and humanitarian values. This programme is Hong Kong Red Cross University Club’s annual event.
This year, the students collaborated with the Nepal Red Cross Society and aimed to strengthen global connections and highlight the role of youth in building compassionate communities across borders.
Tam Wai Yan Dorothy was one of them on this trip. To mark International Youth Day (August 12) in 2025, we asked Dorothy to share her experiences connecting with students and other young people in another part of the world.
Tam Wai Yan Dorothy working alongside school children in Nepal in one of many exercises aimed at promoting health education, community engagement, humanitarian values and international, cross-cultural cooperation.
Photo: Hong Kong Red Cross/Branch of Red Cross Society of China
Volunteer teaching sessions in rural schools
“Over the course of two days, my team and I conducted educational sessions at Faleni Secondary School and Adarsha Bal Secondary School in Lamjung, Nepal, where Hong Kong Red Cross has been supporting the Inclusive and Resilient Community with Empowered and Engaged People (ICE) project in partnership with the Danish Red Cross and Nepal Red Cross Society in the same district.
“Our initiative focused on promoting essential knowledge across several key areas: food nutrition and healthy habits, career planning and life aspirations, and positive thinking with an emphasis on mental wellness.
“While the language and cultural differences occasionally posed challenges, I found that humility and affectionate gestures—like smiles and waves—easily bridged the gap. Even a hug or eye contact was enough to establish a connection.
“I was then organized into a small group with students from the Junior Red Cross Youth Circle for interactive sessions alongside other Hong Kong volunteers. This day then began with a series of dynamic team-building games. including musical chairs, the Da Vinci Bridge challenge, and other cooperative activities, designed to strengthen our problem-solving skills and foster collaboration.
“Interactive experiences, like exploring scientific concepts by building water rockets and playing classroom games, brought moments of joy and genuine bonding between us and the students.
“They even taught me their slogan so I could be a part of their group for that day. I couldn't believe how quickly I became comfortable with the students and other volunteers.
Tam Wai Yan Dorothy takes a selfie photo with school children she met during a nine-day programme organized by the Hong Kong Red Cross University Club.
Photo: Hong Kong Red Cross/Branch of Red Cross Society of China
Inspired by Resilience and Hope
“Among all the moments, one story left a lasting impression on me. During a career- planning session at the first school, I invited some students to share their dreams and future career plans.
“One student, who had dreamt of becoming a volleyball player, shared her newfound ambition with me: to become a doctor; a goal inspired by her desire to help her family and explore the world.
“What seems achievable to me may be an unreachable dream for others. That moment reminded me how education can empower young people to rewrite their futures. I was truly glad to be part of this teaching trip.
“Another student voiced his aspiration to me to become a professional gamer, acknowledging the difficulty of entering the gaming industry and making a sustainable living in such a competitive field.
“I responded to him in this way, hoping to offer a message of encouragement and empowerment. ‘No matter how difficult or impossible it seems, there is always someone who takes the first step and brings about change.’
Strengthening Global Humanitarian Connections
"After the teaching programme, I met with local Red Cross staff, youth leaders, and beneficiaries from the ICE project. This was an initiative launched by the Danish Red Cross in partnership with the Hong Kong Red Cross, aimed at supporting the Nepal Red Cross Society in strengthening community resilience and inclusion within the Nepalese community. Hearing heartfelt comments from the beneficiaries reaffirmed for me the impact of collaborative humanitarian efforts.
“The Nepal Service Trip 2024 didn’t just uplift the communities we served, it transformed the youth who took part. This journey taught me that humanity knows no boundaries. We youth have the heart and power to lead change; even globally.”
By Tam Wai Yan Dorothy, Hong Kong Red Cross, Branch of Red Cross Society of China
Building on this impactful experience, the Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) continues to empower young humanitarians through global collaboration. This summer, another RCU member participated in the International Service Learning Programme – Nepal Community Resilience WASH Project Final Review, jointly organized by HKRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS).
This initiative invites a youth member to contribute directly to capture critical WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) efforts in Nepal, while gaining exposure to international development and disaster preparedness.
Through ongoing projects—including youth exchanges, volunteer capacity-building, and cross-border humanitarian education—Hong Kong’s youth are taking bold steps to become the change makers of tomorrow.