In order to improve students' understanding of anthropogenic climate change and give them a direct experience of its effects on personal lives, the environment, and society, the Geography and History Department has collaboratively arranged an experiential simulation for F5 students at the Red Cross Humanitarian Education Centre on April 30th, 2024. The activity, using the 'Feel-Touch-Thick-Act' approach, intends to heighten students' consciousness of the climate and war crises, foster positive humanitarian values, and nurture an empathetic mindset that aligns with the school's major concerns on positive education.
Reflections from students:
5D Dip Choi Wa Kathy
I find the simulation to be an incredibly experience. As a student of history and geography, I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to partake in such an immersive activity. Typically, we only learn about these situations through textbooks. However, we were able to truly sense and comprehend the events. I felt the tension and fear living in a war-torn country, as well as the concerns and difficulties of facing food scarcity due to climate change. Furthermore, the reliance on our fellow participants left a profound influence on me, akin to the experiences of those who have actually lived through such circumstances. It was a profound realization that many children have lost their homes and families as a result of climate change and war. This made me truly appreciate the fortunate circumstances we enjoy in Hong Kong. Climate change and war persistently affect people's lives, and even the smallest actions can make a difference. Let us extend our help to the world and strive to create a positive impact.
5A Choi Hang Yu
We are living in a secure country where we are shielded from danger and crises. Nevertheless, this activity has provided me with a deeper understanding that there are still nations suffering from the challenges of climate change and armed conflicts. Through this experience, I have gained insight into the emotions felt by the victims and the hardships they encounter. Climate change not only deprives them of their homes but armed conflicts also force them to leave their motherland. I can empathize with the difficulties of migrants who have lost everything they had. They aspire to establish a fresh beginning in a new land, yet they often face exclusion. Human-induced climate change worsens extreme weather events, triggering further disasters which affect those already struggling to cope with their lives. Consequently, we should strive to improve our current lifestyles, such as conserving energy. Though these actions may seem simple, we often carelessly utilize unnecessary electrical appliances. The severe weather conditions cause them to lose a lot of belongings, while armed conflicts impose even greater cruelty. Social instability is the result of armed conflicts, burdening individuals who should not be bear such responsibilities and forcing them to abandon their homelands.
5D Lam Oi Ling Sabrina
I learned a lot from this theatre experience, as I played the role of a refugee in this event, with themes such as war and natural disasters. As you play as a refugee, feel their helplessness and fear in the face of natural disasters and wars, including the helplessness of being forced to leave their homes and the fear of being held hostage by armed groups. Despair is mixed with hope, knowing that someone is transporting us to the border, and despair is crossing the border to find that we don't have an identity card. What struck me the most about this event was that there were many pictures of people who had been lost due to war and natural disasters, most of them were children, and they were innocent of both the lost and the lost families. After this event, I am even more convinced that we should all protect the planet to ensure a better future for the next generation, and even to free those who are suffering now.
5C Koo Yik Yin
I had the opportunity to take part in an immersive activity that shed light on the challenging circumstances faced by people in less developed countries (LDCs). However, I soon realized that the actual situation is far more severe. These individuals not only endure the devastating effects of climate change but also face constant threats due to unstable political environments. Just imagine the combination of droughts, typhoons, and bombings all occurring simultaneously – the trauma is unimaginable. The experience I had was merely a fraction of the hardships encountered by refugees. Famine and civil wars are responsible for the harsh living conditions they face, compounded by the reluctance of other nations to provide refuge. In light of this, I have resolved to make changes in my own life. I will reduce my use of air conditioning and opt for public transportation when traveling. By doing so, I hope to contribute to reducing carbon emissions and lowering our carbon footprint. While I may not be able to address their political issues directly, I can still share a helping hand in environmental protection. Through these actions, I aspire to lessen the intensity of natural disasters.
