FSL-India is a youth development organisation which promotes both national as well as international volunteering. Twice every year, we facilitate the Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEAD) programme of the Education University of Hong Kong for their students, with cultural exposure in Karnataka.

From the 20^th-31^st March this year, 15 students visited India with a focus on intercultural learning. They toured Mysore and also Bangalore, absorbing the rich heritage of these cities.

In addition to this, they volunteered their services at the Sarkari Kiriya Prathamika Patashale at Venkatagiri Kote, Devanahalli Taluk. The students worked on renovating the school’s classrooms by painting educational murals on the walls.

They also taught basic English to the school’s children from 4^th-7^th Standards, using non-formal methods like games and art.

The Hong Kong students were from different educational fields – Computer Science, Law, English, etc. They threw themselves whole-heartedly into this new experience, developed their leadership skills and put their problem-solving skills to good use by tackling the challenges faced by them, head-on.

Both the children and the students enjoyed themselves thoroughly and benefited immensely both from the activities and the intercultural exchange.

We received constructive support from the Education Department, local community including the Panchayath leader and the village youth.