Student Activities Week

Form 3 students went to Nansha for a three-day sustainability study on the Pearl River Delta. Some considered it an eye-opening and thought-provoking trip with new experiences; some noted the impacts of economic development on the environment and the government’s strategies and balancing act.  Pang Man Joy of 3G, Ho Sze Ming and Roy Chan of 3C shared their experiences and reflections.  

Day 1 

Joy: We went to the Speedling Factory and talked to two female migrant workers and a male co-operator. The factory was fairly systematic, yet the accommodation for workers was quite inadequate. They went there in hopes of pursuing a better living standard and a brighter future. The co-operator was quite satisfied with his job but the workers’ sentiment towards their jobs was rather different. Although they could now uplift the living standard of their families, they felt helpless in maintaining a balanced family life.  

Roy: The factory visit gave us a valuable chance to learn about the life of a migrant worker. I was surprised to find that despite the poor working conditions and a lack of basic labour rights, the workers were still happy to work at the factory. I was touched to see that many workers saw the small earnings from factory work as a means to provide education for their children. 

Day 2 

Joy: The second day was busy but enjoyable. We paid a visit to a local village and were received by three elders there. We were able to see the livelihood of common people and understand the history of the region. For instance, we could see how rural cooperative works and its role in providing health care and other welfare for the poor.  

Ming: We also went to the wetland park, a shrimp pond, a goat pen and a farm. We talked to the local villagers and got to understand how their livelihood had been affected by rapid urbanisation. We also had a try on the farm work and managed to harvest 70kg of sweet potatoes – with our bare hands! 

Roy: However, we felt sad to find that the farmers could only sell their produce at a low price even after putting in so much hard work. During a boat ride in the wetland park, we also learnt how the factories nearby had got away from the pollution checks; how the roofs of some buildings had scared the birds away and how the development of a golf course had destroyed the environment 

Day 3 

Ming: Day 3 was a day for us to reflect on our experience.  We did a role play showing the positive and negative effects of the development in the Pearl River Delta. Although our group argued a lot in the preparation, we were able to reach a consensus in the end. I have not only learned about the development of the region, but also the importance of cooperation and respect. 

Joy: The idea of sustainable development is easier said than done. The conflicts of interest between different stakeholders are always present. This trip offered food for thought for teens like us.  

Roy: I feel that Nansha can be a good example for investigating measures to make development in China more sustainable in the long run.