A group of Year 3 students taking the IFTM Tourism Event Management Evening Bachelor Degree Programme staged a charity event on 14 November to present aspects of Portuguese culture. Arranging the event was part of the curriculum for the students.
The event was held at the IFTM Amphitheatre on the Mong-Há Campus. It was called “Portuguese Feeling” and helped enhance the understanding of the cultures of the Portuguese-speaking countries through games, performances and other entertainment. The net proceeds, totalling MOP24,131.20, were donated to the Caritas Macau charity.
Putting on events allows Tourism Event Management students to gain practical experience under the supervision of the teaching staff. The students are invited to experience real situations and confront real challenges by undertaking practical projects, so developing pan-curricular skills while collaborating in groups.
Connie Ho Man Chi was one of the students involved in putting on the “Portuguese Feeling” event. She says it taught the general public about Portuguese-speaking countries, so helping Macao perform its function as a bridge between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.
Connie says that by engaging in charitable activities, students can put into practice what they learn in the classroom. She says the process of organising an event entails setbacks and failures, allowing students to learn valuable knowledge in how to handle problems, which can be of great value in their careers.
IFTM Assistant Professor Dr. Hazel Xu Yueying supported the students that put on the event. Dr. Xu says the curriculum requires the holding of actual events in each of the 4 years of the Tourism Event Management programme. That is particularly important in Year 1 and Year 2, as the curriculum for those years focuses mainly on theoretical work. Organising a charity event in each academic year helps students apply flexibly the knowledge they have acquired.
Dr. Xu says the process of organising activities shows students that the details must be given attention, even when putting on a small event. It also gives students an appreciation of the importance of teamwork, she says.
