Engage Hong Kong http://engagehk.posterous.com Most recent posts at Engage Hong Kong posterous.com Wed, 20 Oct 2010 01:04:56 -0700 hi danile http://engagehk.posterous.com/hi-danile http://engagehk.posterous.com/hi-danile hi danile
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:54:35 -0700 Back in America http://engagehk.posterous.com/back-in-america http://engagehk.posterous.com/back-in-america Everyone from our Summer programs has made it safely back home.  We are thankful for a remarkable Summer of teaching, fun, and impact in Asia.  The stories that we're hearing from the teachers is life-changing.  We've all been changed this Summer in unique and unforgettable ways.  Our hope is that many of these teachers will feel compelled to return next year or even come live in Asia for a season of life.  If you or anyone you know might be interested in a life changing Summer please tell them to visit www.elic.org for more information.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Thu, 05 Aug 2010 06:50:59 -0700 Teachers are Safe and Sound on their Vision Trips http://engagehk.posterous.com/teachers-are-safe-and-sound-on-their-vision-t http://engagehk.posterous.com/teachers-are-safe-and-sound-on-their-vision-t We've received the official word from our vision trip leaders in each country (China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia) that all the teams have arrived safely and everything is running smooth. With only about 72 hours left in Asia, we are hoping for the hearts of these college students to continually be expanded to the work that's happening in the country that they are visiting. Our hope is that they are grasping the vision of why we think it's important for people to invest their lives in these countries to teach English and be a positive influence in the community.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:19:23 -0700 Arrived in Nanjing, China http://engagehk.posterous.com/arrived-in-nanjing-china http://engagehk.posterous.com/arrived-in-nanjing-china
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Three of the teams from Hong Kong have now arrived in Nanjing, China. It was a new cultural experience as we rode 20 hours on a train. The bunks on the train were 3 high and some of the teachers had to climb to the top to sleep. When we weren't sleeping on the train we were playing cards, reading and watching the China countryside out the window.  Elena, one of our teachers, described the train as being like a sardine can and "that it was an interesting culture experience."

Now that we're in Nanjing we're getting a compelling vision of ELIC's work in mainland China. We're being led by Andy, one of our regional coordinators. He has many years of experience in China and his knowledge of the culture and country is phenomenal. 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:47:35 -0700 Prom Night! http://engagehk.posterous.com/prom-night http://engagehk.posterous.com/prom-night

A few days ago one of the teams put on a prom night culture event for their students. It took the students a few songs to warm up to the idea, but they soon caught on and joined in the dancing. The teachers talked about how fun the whole activity was and how dancing with their students was an absolute blast!

Doing these culture activities is an important and fun part of the summer English camp. The students love to learn by having fun together.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:28:07 -0700 Wrapping it up http://engagehk.posterous.com/wrapping-it-up http://engagehk.posterous.com/wrapping-it-up It's been a very busy few days here in Hong Kong. The teachers have been finalizing their classes, saying goodbye to students, and preparing for their next leg of the journey. As the English Summer Camps ended I heard many teachers talk about how they weren't ready to leave their students. "It was too fast!" they would say to me and to each other. There's no doubt that they have bonded with their students in very special ways.

Yesterday, we had a youth rally for the students who participated in the camp. There was singing and dancing and fun had by all. At the end of the rally many people began saying goodbye for the last time. It was a sad moment as tears were shed and hugs were shared. These are the days that the teachers and the students will never forget.

Tomorrow, all of the teachers will move on to their final leg of this journey they've been on. They will all embark on a 1-week vision trip to another country in Asia. Some are going to Laos, some to Cambodia, others to Mongolia, Vietnam, or Mainland China. Although they are exhausted from 3 weeks of teaching, everyone is eagerly waiting for what the next week holds at their new destination.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:40:54 -0700 Celebrating in Hong Kong http://engagehk.posterous.com/celebrating-in-hong-kong http://engagehk.posterous.com/celebrating-in-hong-kong Every Tuesday evening we like to gather all 70 teachers together to do something as a big group. The purpose is to build community together and to also learn from one another. This week we went to Ruby Tuesdays to indulge in a nice, but rare western meal. Most of the teachers have been eating a very quick breakfast in our university cafeteria, then eating local Chinese food for lunch, and often eating Chinese food again for dinner. So a place that feels more like home was a welcomed treat for many. But this night was special in more than ways than one. We had the privilege of celebrating the birthday of one of our team leaders. The Ruby Tuesdays staff brought out two gigantic Sundaes with a candle in each one. Everyone cheered, we sang, and it was an all-around great time! Celebrating a birthday in Hong Kong is surely an unforgettable experience.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Sun, 25 Jul 2010 10:06:26 -0700 A Day in the Life... http://engagehk.posterous.com/a-day-in-the-life http://engagehk.posterous.com/a-day-in-the-life
One of our team leaders recently wrote a short blog post to walk us through the average day at Engage.  Here you go:

wake up.
6:20 am (plus or minus a snooze or two)
food. Food.

bus.
45 minute ride- great for morning alone time. (essential)

teaching.
3 1/2 hours in the morning (yeah you could definitely pray for that)
our theme is "our world: united"
the students are attending an imaginary forum
where they talk about different life issues.
very well done.

lunch.
we order food from a local restaurant
they are so kind to deliver!
lunch also includes recovery time from teaching!

culture.
in the afternoons we show American culture
today is wedding day!
Naomi is wearing this year's latest fashion: toilet paper (money saver)

bus again.
such a fun time of war stories and, of course. sleep.

rejuvenation.
this happened to be a Friday and the goal for the night was recovery
so where did we go?
that's right, the nicest McDonald's (don't judge) you've ever seen!

team time.
fun recovery times are great, but this is our life source.
we talk and encourage each other
we hear about each other's stories of who we are
we speak truth to one another!
we all need to live this way


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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:12:27 -0700 Building Relationships http://engagehk.posterous.com/building-relationships http://engagehk.posterous.com/building-relationships
When this photo was taken there were kids running all over the room getting ready to play games and learn about an American holiday.  We paused for a moment to capture this photo and I remember thinking how happy these girls were.  They seem to love their teacher and love to have fun.  I've been impressed by these teachers and their relationships with the students.  Some very special friendships are being created here in Hong Kong!  

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:55:06 -0700 The Peak http://engagehk.posterous.com/the-peak http://engagehk.posterous.com/the-peak
As the teachers wrapped up their second week of teaching, many of them spent Friday night taking in the awe-inspiring view from "The Peak."  A short tram ride or bus ride up the mountain gives you a spectacular view of Hong Kong.  From the top of the peak you can see all of Hong Kong Island, the harbor, and across the harbor to the Kowloon side of Hong Kong.  This is truly one of the most remarkable sights to see in the world.  It's a view of humanity, the busyness, the creativity, and the vastness of urbanization.

Standing at the top of the peak we see that our lives begin to take sharp focus.  We are very small, but we are a part of a grand story of reshaping culture and writing a new story for hundreds of high schools students throughout this beautiful, bustling city.  

At a small coffee shop on top of the peak I watched a few teachers interact with a few of their students who joined them for the trek up the mountain.  I was thrilled to see the smiles, laughter, and authentic joy they were experiencing together.  These teachers were instilling into their students much more than a language, they were instilling life-long values and building true friendship.  I was excited to see this going on and I trust those same friendships are forming on all of our teams throughout this entire city.  

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:32:00 -0700 School Visits and Olympics http://engagehk.posterous.com/school-visits-and-olympics http://engagehk.posterous.com/school-visits-and-olympics

The teachers of Wonq Kam Fai Second and Primarv School seem to be having a blast with their students.  I was able to observe a few classes today and saw everyone smiling, learning, and having fun together.  The students seem eager to learn English with their North American teachers.  I heard one student emphatically say, "I love to learn English!"  

After lunch, the team took all of their students outside for a fun-filled afternoon of Olympic races and games!  It was exciting to see the students run and play together.  They ran relay races, played basketball, play some form of kickball with a beachball, and more!  As always, the students were very endearing and a pleasure to be around.  Their smiles and goofy antics always make us laugh.  I'm thankful for this team and their desire to give this month to their students.  They are making a significant impact in the lives of their students.    
 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:57:54 -0700 Gauge Day at Pui Ying School http://engagehk.posterous.com/gauge-day-at-pui-ying-school http://engagehk.posterous.com/gauge-day-at-pui-ying-school Day 1 for the Engage summer camp is what we call "Gauge Day." The purpose of this is to effectively divide the students into different classes based on their English level. This allows the teachers to create daily lessons that are appropriate for each level. With gauge day, the beginners, intermediate and advanced students can be placed in the appropriate classroom to maximize their learning throughout the camp.

Gauge day is always high-energy, fun, and interactive. This morning the teachers introduced themselves to the 133 Chinese students in their camp and then taught a fun song and dance that they all did together. It was exciting to see the students laughing and having fun together.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:42:02 -0700 City Outing in Hong Kong http://engagehk.posterous.com/city-outing-in-hong-kong http://engagehk.posterous.com/city-outing-in-hong-kong
This afternoon, all 70 Engage teachers went on an adventure together through Hong Kong.  We visited a couple of parks throughout the city so we could gain an appreciation for the natural beauty of Hong Kong.  Part of our challenge was moving as a large group by walking, buses, and the subway system (called the MTR).  Moving 70 people through a city like Hong Kong is not an easy task, but the adventure seemed to be exciting for everyone.  It's been awesome to see the teams bond closer together and love one another more and more everyday.




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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Fri, 09 Jul 2010 22:56:00 -0700 Engage Begins! http://engagehk.posterous.com/engage-begins http://engagehk.posterous.com/engage-begins

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The 70 teachers with Engage have left Cheung Chau island and are now comfortably settled into their dorm rooms on a local university campus in Hong Kong. Since leaving Cheung Chau we have had two days of Hong Kong specific training. Katie, the site coordinator for Engage, has been leading meetings that focus on how the teachers can be best equipped to succeed this month in Hong Kong. She also did a special session with two Hong Kong students entitled "The Soul of a Hong Kong Student" which was very special for our teachers to hear a first hand account of what it's like to be a high school student in Hong Kong.

Yesterday, all of the teams visited their schools to meet with school officials and take a tour of their campus. We were able to catch up with two teachers to hear their perspective after the visit. Watch the video above for more on that.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:18:10 -0700 The Joy of Team http://engagehk.posterous.com/the-joy-of-team-0 http://engagehk.posterous.com/the-joy-of-team-0 This week at training in Hong Kong we've been learning a lot about the value of team. We've learned how to love one another, how to confront each other with respect and how to live in community. These valuable lessons will carry these 150 teachers through the next few weeks of teaching their classes. Placing a high value on the team is a priority as we send these teachers out. We are very excited about our team leaders this year as they have sacrificed time and resources to be here to guide their teachers through the summer. The team leaders are a huge encouragement to their teams and provide a needed voice of comfort and confidence.

Here's a photo of one of our Hong Kong teams:

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Mon, 05 Jul 2010 06:09:00 -0700 Training on Cheung Chau Island http://engagehk.posterous.com/training-on-cheung-chau-island http://engagehk.posterous.com/training-on-cheung-chau-island

Before our teachers are sent out to their campuses in Hong Kong we want them to be equipped as effective teachers. Cheung Chau Island is a 30 minute boat ride from the central area of Hong Kong. Once on the island, the teachers hiked up to the retreat center where they are staying. They are surrounded by the quiet serenity of nature and a view of the ocean. Community is developing among the teams and the teachers are increasingly excited about going out to their campuses.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth Sun, 04 Jul 2010 01:51:06 -0700 Engage Hong Kong - Welcome! http://engagehk.posterous.com/engage-hong-kong-welcome http://engagehk.posterous.com/engage-hong-kong-welcome Hong Kong carries more than 7 million people through it's streets, subways, alleyways, and buildings. Every person has a story - a history and a future. Hong Kong breathes energy, excitement and intensity. The city is known for its fast pace, massive buildings and breath-taking cityscape views from the harbor.

For the month of July we're excited to host North American college students in Hong Kong as they set out to live and teach among local high school students. This 3-week high-impact summer camp will surely change countless lives and leave the teachers with a longing to continue to be a part of what's happening in Asia.

Follow along on this blog as we document the journey from training at Cheung Chau island to their classrooms throughout Hong Kong. You'll meet teachers, their teams, students, and the city. Welcome to Engage Hong Kong!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/579516/biscuet_head.jpg http://posterous.com/users/5egYSwkfZWnv Jonathan Smyth biscuet Jonathan Smyth