FEHD Innovation Hub

Study Tour Abroad

Cape Town Study Tour

6 Aug 2023 - 19 Aug 2023

The Department of International Education at the Faculty of Education and Human Development organised a study tour to Cape Town between 6 Aug and 19 Aug. This tour offers a transformative educational experience revolving around two central themes. Firstly, it endeavors to illuminate the far-reaching consequences of extreme economic and social inequalities in developing societies, within the dynamic framework of an increasingly interconnected global landscape. This exploration is grounded in South Africa's intricate historical tapestry, encompassing its colonial legacy and the era of Apartheid. Secondly, the tour delves into the paramount significance of preserving biodiversity and upholding nature's delicate balance. Participants are immersed in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Western Cape's diverse ecosystems, set against the backdrop of challenges stemming from limited water resources and burgeoning economic progress.

Fong Ho Yuen

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Special Education

Bo-Kaap was a residential area for enslaved individuals and Muslim laborers from Southeast Asia during Dutch colonization. The houses were painted in vibrant colors after emancipation to commemorate freedom. Presently, the descendants of Cape Malay reside in Bo-Kaap, introducing their local cuisine, culture, and religious practices to us.

Boulders Beach is also known as Penguin's Colony due to its penguin inhabitants. In a bid to protect these wildlife species, the government has erected artificial enclosures to facilitate penguin breeding.

The Cape of Good Hope is reckoned as the southernmost part of South Africa. The clouds and the mountains formed an astonishing landscape.

The photos in the District Six Museum captured the ordinary life of people living in District Six before they were forced to move away during Apartheid.

We were climbing to the top of Lion’s Head, requiring our whole body and core strength. What a challenging hiking experience!

Old Biscuit Market is a Saturday Market selling handcraft, exotic cuisine and wet goods. Barbecue mushrooms and fresh oysters are the most popular ones on our tour.

Shakshuka is my favorite, a North African dish of poached egg with tomato sauce and spice. You can find a wide range of appetizers in Old Biscuit Market.

Following a half-hour boat journey, we reached Robben Island, the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. This island stands as a potent symbol of freedom and democracy.

Nelson Mandela used the tattered mattress. It tells us how badly he had been treated as a political prisoner. The tour guide who is a former political prisoner gave us an inspirational tour about the situation in the jail.

We visited a the Aquila Wildlife Safari under 0 degree celsius. It was freezing but rewarding to see the animals in a short distance. Guess what, zebras with darker stripes are male!

Table Mountain is the highest mountain in Cape Town. You can enjoy the best view of Cape Town after 8 hours of hiking. Flowers and plants along the way are stunning with refreshing breezes.

Different from Table Mountain, at the top of Lion Head enables you to observe the unique geography of Cape Town which is closely linked to the political background of South Africa, i.e., Apartheid and colonization.

Stairs towards the library are sprayed on phrases of “practice consent”. It is a protest made by university students against sexual harassment and assault, given that every second a a African woman is raped in every second.

From the moment we arrived at the airport, we were informed about the critical situation involving taxi driver riots that had paralyzed the city and tragically led to the loss of innocent lives. As I attended lectures by Professor Mason, I came to realize that the violence permeating the city, the deep-seated animosity towards white individuals, and the educational disparities among black and colored people were all legacies of centuries of colonialism and slavery. It is disheartening to witness the enduring impacts of these historical injustices in every corner of Cape Town.
Our visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison, was a profound experience. The most important lesson I took away from it is that the pursuit of freedom, liberty, and equality is a lengthy journey that demands patience and unwavering persistence. Education plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, as it not only awakens individuals to fight for their rights but also nurtures future leaders who can build an equitable society.

Ho Chiu Lam Edith

Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Chinese Language)

Beads Arts

Big Cats Park

BoKaap

Botanica Garden

Cape of Good Hope

District Six Museum

Lion's Head

Local Art

Local Coffee Shop

Local Fish Market.

Local Traditional Food

Rhodes Memorial

Robben Island.

Safari

Slave Museum

Table Mountain

University of Cape Town

This journey was a transformative experience that offered a deep dive into various South African cultures and perspectives. From the exhilarating climb up Lion's Head to the serene beauty of Camps Bay, every step brought me closer to appreciating the uniqueness of the natural side of Cape Town. Visiting Rhodes Memorial and the University of Cape Town allowed me to witness the intersection of academia and history, fostering a deeper understanding of South Africa's past and its impact on its diverse population. Exploring Table Mountain revealed not only the natural wonders of the region but also the metaphorical heights that can be reached through embracing diversity. The colourful streets of Bo-Kaap and the poignant District Six Museum provided firsthand insights into the struggles and triumphs of the people. Engaging with local artisans at the Saturday Local Market offered a tangible connection to the creative spirit of the community. Encountering penguins at Boulders Beach and exploring the Cape of Good Hope highlighted the interconnectedness of life across different species and ecosystems. The Vredenheim Big Cats Game Park and Aquila Wildlife Safari underscored the importance of conservation and respecting all forms of life. Furthermore, interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, be it locals at markets or fellow travellers, fostered a genuine appreciation for the richness that differences bring to our world. As the journey unfolded, my attitude shifted from passive observation to active engagement. The readiness to communicate and collaborate with people from various walks of life emerged naturally. Overall, this journey has been an eye-opening chapter in my life, where each destination became a lesson in empathy, open-mindedness, and the beauty of cultural diversity.

Lam Yik Hiu

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Arts and Culture and Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Visual Arts)

This photo, taken at the Waterfront, showcases the unique South African style architecture and harbor.

I captured this culturally significant shopping street, renowned for selling handicrafts that reflect South African culture.

This moving train, adorned with distinctive South African graffiti, presents a stark contrast to Hong Kong's trains.

This penguin beach artwork, crafted from plastic utensils by a local artist, signifies the importance of penguin conservation in South Africa.

I found this place of historical importance to South Africa and decided to capture it.

This photo captures our tour's visit to the University of Cape Town, where we learned about its history and culture.

The unique architectural style of the University of Cape Town, quite distinct from Hong Kong's University, prompted me to take this photo.

This graffiti on the University of Cape Town's walls, uncommon in Hong Kong's universities, highlights the cultural differences between the two.

This photo documents our valuable experience of mountain climbing at Cape Pont

This photo of a street in Stellenbosch, quite different from any in Hong Kong, serves as a memento of my visit.

On this study tour, I have learned about the diverse cultures and societies in Africa. The buildings and scenery we encountered along the way stood in stark contrast to those in Hong Kong. Moreover, the lifestyles and conversations of the South Africans we met were markedly different from those in Hong Kong, leading me to appreciate the cultural and societal differences between us. In conclusion, this journey has broadened my global perspective, deepening my understanding of the unique cultures and events in countries beyond Hong Kong. Moving forward, I recognise the importance of being more attentive to global events in order to continue developing this global perspective.

Source: Prof Mark Mason, Mr Benjamin So and Ms Wing Chan; Department of International Education (IE@EdUHK); for more information, please click Read More