In a quiet corner of the HSUHK’s Residential College (RC), an unusual classroom is taking root. Soil-stained hands, sun-kissed faces, and the occasional triumphant whoop mark the site of the Honours Academy (HA)’s latest innovation: the HAnds-on Green Leadership Programme.

This is not your typical leadership course. Here, success is measured in centimeters of growth, collaboration happens over compost bins, and problem-solving skills are honed while battling aphids. The programme, dubbed “HAnds-on Green Leadership Programme” to reflect both its practical nature and its HA origins, has been transforming students into green-thumbed leaders, one seedling at a time, since April 2024.

The programme’s objectives are ambitious and multifaceted. It aims to reinforce HA students’ sustainability leadership skills in action while increasing HA’s presence and visibility at the residential college and HSUHK. By embedding a sense of environmental responsibility, the programme strives to create a sustainable future within the community. Students are enabled to practice sustainable farming through organic planting, which also fosters health and personal wellbeing.

The programme follows the ebb and flow of nature’s seasons, challenging students to adapt their strategies as they grow everything from crisp winter greens to juicy summer tomatoes. This cyclical approach mirrors the ever-changing landscapes leaders must navigate in the real world.

The RC setting adds another layer to the learning experience. HA Students take turns monitoring the gardens, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Late-night study sessions now often include impromptu checks on seedlings, with academic discussions spilling over into debates about sustainable farming practices.

As the sun sets over the flourishing gardens, it is clear that the HAnds-on Green Leadership Programme is more than just an extracurricular activity. It is a living laboratory of leadership, where students are growing not just plants, but their own potential to create a greener, more sustainable future.