By Mr. Thomas Chung (ADMA)

Hong Kong, 15 June 2024 -- Members of the ADMA Hong Kong have participated in a two-week exchange course between Hong Kong and Mongolia, organized by the Chaplaincy of St. Francis University of Hong Kong and the Don Bisco School in Mongolia. Students in Hong Kong have joined with teachers in Don Bosco School of Mongolia to organize an English Learning Program. Through interactive teaching sessions, summer camps, games, and activities, students in Mongolia have an excellent chance to learn how to communicate in English. After a brief period of icebreaking, students from Hong Kong and Mongolia have fostered steadfast friendships.

This was the first time when students in Hong Kong interacted with Mongolian youths. They were deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and their willingness to open up themselves. About half of the participants were students from Social Work. They also had a valuable chance to visit the charity groups run by Salesians, the House of Mercy, run by the Mongolian Diocese, and the Charity House in Darkhan.

Father Paul Leung had also shared with them his vocation and his 18 years of work as a missionary in Mongolia. Although most of them were non-Catholics, they were very interested and asked a lot of questions. All of them were deeply moved by his dedication, which was rooted in his steadfast love of Jesus our Lord.

The exchange program ended with a farewell party in the Don Bosco House.

Teachers participating in the course were invited, and we had a big lamb feast prepared in traditional Mongolian style last evening. Students on both sides had exchanged their IG and started texting each other. Four boys had made a surprise visit to our residence late last night at about 11 pm. The chilling night had not watered down their passion, and they met one another outside the Don Bosco House. With big hugs, laughter, and tears, they bid farewell to us in fluent English.

"You have given them a valuable chance and courage to use English in these 14 days, which is also impossible in Mongolia. More importantly, they have experienced your love and friendship, and this will certainly continue after this course. Thanks for everyone in this group." From Father Paul Leung.

NB. Written on 14.6 during the flight from Ulaan Baatar to Hong Kong

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