School trip to Inner Mongolia boosts language skills
A group of 20 students from HKCWC Fung Yiu King Memorial Secondary School, five teachers and the principal, Hui Wing-ho, went on a trip to Inner Mongolia and Ningxia during the Easter holidays.
The group arrived at Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia on the first leg of their trip. On the afternoon of the second day, the group left by train for Yinchuan, in China's third smallest province, Ningxia. The large carriage windows provided panoramic views of the desert, spectacular mountains and small villages.
In Yinchuan, students and teachers learned about how planners had constructed the Paotau to Lanchou railway line through the desert. They also went sand sliding and camel riding in a picturesque area next to the Yellow River. The group also visited Yinchuan Tanglai Middle School. Although there was initial shyness it was not long before the room was abuzz with students getting to know each other and swapping presents and addresses.
The next morning, the group returned to tour the school. Everyone was impressed with the commitment, self-discipline and English standard of the Yinchuan students. On the final leg of the trip back in Hohhot, the group spent a night in traditional round Mongolian houses, called yurts. Snow on that day caused much excitement, as very few of the group had seen it before.
The group also tried traditional Mongolian food, such as mutton and highly spiced dishes. At the camp they watched Mongolian wrestling and horse races.
Students said the trip had helped them improve their Putonghua and English skills. They were keen for the organisers of the trip, teachers Wat Pui-yi and Siu Suk-tim, to organise another one.
Article submitted by HKCWC Fung Yiu King Memorial Secondary School
