Source: School of Sociology and Anthropology
Written by: School of Sociology and Anthropology
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

After four months of preparation, the 7th “Wheat Awn Action—Sichuan, Guangdong and Guangxi Service Learning Project” was launched on South Campus of Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) on July 7, 2015.

Attendees of the launching ceremony included Prof. Yan Guangmei, Vice President of SYSU, Dr. Wang Lixia, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of SYSU, Prof. Zhang Yingqiang, Dean of the School of Sociology and Anthropology of SYSU, and Prof. Zhou Daming, Chief Project Leader of the Wheat Awn Action.

Prof. Yan Guangmei affirmed the importance of the Wheat Awn Action in talent cultivation, scientific research and interdisciplinary studies. He said that from the post-earthquake community reconstruction in Wenchuan to the survey and service in rural communities in Sichuan, Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, the Wheat Awn Action is a project “linking theory with practice, and linking classroom with society”.

Prof. Zhang Yingqiang reviewed the development of the Wheat Awn Action, saying that it is a learning-sharing platform which integrates academic studies, general education and social services.

Prof. Zhou Daming emphasized the three aims of the Project—to develop the humanistic spirit, promote interdisciplinary communication, and cultivate academic interest and independent thinking.

The 7th Wheat Awn Action has selected 30 volunteer students from 13 schools and departments at SYSU, including Zhongshan School of Medicine, School of Geography and Planning, School of Sociology and Anthropology, etc. They will serve the local people and focus on social issues in the social practice and fieldwork to improve their abilities.