On August 4th, the Habitat Green Social Innovation Exhibition, hosted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was held in Rwanda. H.E. Wang Xuekun, the Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Godefroid Kayigana, Director General of the Community Development and Social Problem of the Rwandan Ministry of local government, Prof. Grace Ngai, head of Service-Learning and Leadership office at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and John KALENZI, representative of AEE Rwanda, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Over a hundred students and teachers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, as well as some secondary schools in Hong Kong, local officials from Rwanda, and staff from the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, participated in the event.

    In his speech, Ambassador Wang expressed that this year, around 100 students and teachers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong secondary schools, as well as exchange students from mainland China and overseas universities, have engaged in a two-week service-learning activity in Rwanda. They installed approximately 400 solar power systems in 7 villages of the Rwamagana district in the eastern province of Rwanda, addressing the electricity needs of 400 impoverished households in the mountainous region. These solar power systems have brought clean and renewable energy to local families, enhancing their quality of life and making a positive contribution to the sustainable development of Rwanda. This project not only showcases the strong cooperation and friendship between China and Rwanda but also enhances the skills and knowledge of local Rwandan youth, acting as a bridge for cultural and educational exchange between the two countries.

    Ambassador Wang mentioned that this year marks the tenth anniversary of the Chinese President Xi Jinping's proposal of the "Belt and Road" initiative. Over the past decade, with joint efforts from all parties, the "Belt and Road" initiative has achieved numerous positive outcomes in more than 150 countries worldwide. Notably, the cooperation projects between China and Rwanda under the "Belt and Road" framework have yielded significant results. The service-learning activities carried out by Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Rwanda exemplify the spirit of connectivity and mutual understanding advocated by the "Belt and Road" initiative. Ambassador Wang expressed hopes for more similar projects in the future to further enhance cooperation and deepen the friendship between the two countries. Additionally, he encouraged students to study diligently, apply their professional knowledge, and contribute to national development and China-Rwanda friendship.

    This service-learning project is a mandatory component of the four-year undergraduate curriculum at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The program integrates social service into professional learning, encouraging students to apply their expertise and skills to serve society and promote social progress. Since 2013, Hong Kong Polytechnic University has launched service-learning projects in Rwanda and initiated the solar power system installation program in 2015 to meet the practical electricity needs of impoverished residents in remote mountainous areas. To date, over 1200 solar power systems have been installed, providing sustainable energy to residents of Rwanda living in areas with electricity shortages, thereby improving their quality of life.