Testimonials

STUDENTS

(grades refer to grades student finished before attending summer program)

“The leadership cases taught me how a leader should always stay confident, do what they think is right and not easily be affected by other’s influence. This knowledge about leadership that I acquired also made me realize how I lack confidence and how others easily influence me. Now knowing what I lack and also my weaknesses, I am still seeking for various solutions to counter them.” – Grade 9, Yew Chung International School

” Throughout the past two weeks, I have learnt that while I manage to make quality comments, I should be assertive in taking charge of situations. While this is a weakness I should work on, the numerous guest speakers convinced me that there are different forms of leadership, and that I should find the skills, techniques and strengths that best suits my form of leadership.” – Grade 12, Exeter graduate going to Princeton University

“I also appreciated the fact that we weren’t assigned homework; if we wanted to get work done outside of the program, we had to sort it out ourselves. I found that this made our group more independent (the members as individuals, and the group as a whole).” – Grade 9, Kary Academy, USA

“My favorite part of the program is the NGO project. I was able to engage with social issues, and developed compassion, empathy to care for others. The experience also allowed me to gain business experience such as gathering and utilizing information, developing and finalizing concepts into a proposal, and preparing a formal presentation to the NGO leaders at the end. From this, I learnt the importance of teamwork and communication, which I believe is essential in the real world.“- Grade 11, West Island School

“LEAP is very effective because it ensures that its participants learn about the world as well as about themselves while keeping everybody involved with its friendly and cheerful atmosphere. Its incorporation of a very real NGO project adds an element of real-world application of concepts as well as provides an opportunity to gain experience outside of the classroom. College information sessions covering everything from managing academics and extracurricular activities to college applications and interviews to even choosing what to study at university make this course especially helpful for high school students moving into years 12 or 13.” – Grade 11, HKIS

“Another thing that thrilled me was the earnestness of the facilitators. I could see that they were observing very carefully and scribbling in their notebooks when we were having discussions. Yet, I had never imagined that they would treat this so seriously. From the comments and words they had for us, I had a feeling that they could almost look straight into our hearts. They didn’t just give us random, general reflections, but gave us advice based on who we are deep inside.” – Form 4, Heep Yunn

“I learn how to speak more confidently and express my views without prompting. My English speaking skills has also improved in these two weeks. Through the leadership training I have gone through, I gained confidence to express my own opinion and I knew that I am able to have a valuable position in my group.” – Form 4, Heep Yun

“Since school has started, I’ve really been noticing the positive contributions I’m making in class and how they have been significantly better than the ones I’ve been making in comparison to last year. One of the main goals I set for myself before the Leap Leadership program was to improve my critical thinking skills, and I‘ve been seeing major differences in both my written and oral contributions. So I’d like to show gratitude and thanks to you and the other program directors who helped out with developing and achieving the goal that I set out to accomplish before the program.” – Grade 11, ICS

“The leadership skills I learnt are practical. I came out of it thinking how I could apply them on my daily life. This is also a refreshing and interactive course unlike the local school teaching method as students have to step into others’ shoes and make difficult decisions. What I enjoyed most is the NGO project with Dialogue in Silence in which I could be involved in a social enterprise and learn how a business runs. I also appreciate that I could take part in DiS after the program to follow up with our proposal.” – Form 4, Hong Kong local school student

“This is the place where I can get honest and practical feedback from experienced people as an attempt to get to know myself better. I treasure every moment I have spent in this programme as well as every moment will be since these facilitators are willing to keep in touch and help me in the coming future.” – Form 4, Hong Kong local school student

Additional anonymous feedback

“It made me see leadership from different perspectives than just telling people what to do”

“It taught me how to take the initiative to start discussions and think from different perspectives”

“It helped me understand myself in the sense that I found out my tendency in decision-making, which is to rely a lot on my feelings. This enabled me to have more integrated considerations in the future…Moreover, the inner leader portfolio workbook follow-up was really useful in helping me tune my mind into a ‘can-do’ mindset. I am encouraged to think positively and work out my dream.”

“I’ve learnt that we/being a leader need to care about all of our teammates, try to understand their weakness and strengths and do the best to support them. ALSO, taking initiative is really important!!!”

“I think this program helped me build my confidence and teamwork. I learned that i lack confidence and this program made me realize that i should value my talents and i also came to the realization that i should try and suspend more + connect all the information before i speak (suspending).”

PARENTS

“Many thanks for your terrific program this summer. I can’t tell you the number of times I have heard [child’s name] mention how much he got out of your program. I understand that his team may continue their efforts for Diamond Cab, which would be great.” – Parent of Grade 8 CIS student

“Thank you for everything. [child’s name] find your program inspiring and exciting so far. He talks about his experience every day during dinner.” – Parent of Grade 9 HKIS student

NGO LEADERS

“I see leadership as defining who someone is and what they stand for. I look at young adults in Hong Kong and their resumes are enviable at sixteen years old; so much accomplished in such a short period of time. Yet where is the leadership – defined by who they are and what they are passionate above. Leap Studio has created a dynamic and thoughtful space for young adults to stretch the bounds of their thinking, to challenge their pre-conceived notions and within that context, to lead. Leaders are the change-agents of the future, be it in the corporate or social world. Grameen Foundation is proud to be part of this important initiative.” – Jennifer Meehan, CEO, Asia Region and Co-Head of Programs and Regions, Grameen Foundation

“I really love the Chillies team. They show such initiative to contribute for DiS [Dialogue In Silence].” – Anthony Pang, GM of Dialogue in the Dark, affiliate of Dialogue in Silence

“On behalf of DiS , I would like to express my sincere thanks…The proposal prepared by Chillies team about how to enhance and to run Dialogue in Silence Hong Kong towards local secondary school was a high quality one – in terms of the idea, creative, execution to presentation, which surprised all of our team members that we can’t imagine it were came from a group of young people, is awesome and professional. We have no doubt to recommend ‘Leap Studio’ to other, also it was our pleasure to be included in your program. We believed your program definite benefit the student. We have implement some of the idea from Chillies in our education program, positive feedback were received from schools. Well done! – Fiona Wat, CEO of Dialogue in Silence

“I am really impressed with the students of Leap Studio having taken Diamond Cab and visited our office with their passion to find business solutions for us. Though they are still too young to be working professionals, their real actions did make social changes of barrier-free lives with Diamond Cab!” – Doris Leung, CEO of Diamond Cab

“Bits-to-Bloc would like to express our gratification for the constructive marketing proposal that team Chewbacca has put together in just 10 days last summer. We were impressed with the pricing research, online approach and consignment strategy that they came up with all by themselves. Under Leap Studio’s guidance, the final presentation demonstrated a group of energetic, professional and mature students that can also contribute to our society even as youngsters. After the 10 day program had ended, the students were still eager to carry through their ideas with us and we successfully sold one of our upcycled products.” – Judith Tse, Founder of Bits-to-Bloc

JUNIOR FACILITATORS

“After some ideas were thrown around, the idea about coming up with an online platform came to life. At the end of discussion on what they could do with the online platform, and the advantages of having one, one of the students in the learning group remarked, “I am very excited about this idea!” This was definitely one of my most memorable moments. The thought that a simple idea can excite and inspire students to work to better the world, inspired me.” – Aamir, Junior at Boston University

” The change in the students’ attitudes and motivations from day 1 to day 10 was quite palpable. They learned to step outside of their comfort zone in a low-risk environment; being encouraged to speak up for themselves while caring for the developmental needs of others, many students displayed an intelligent maturity toward one another, which was very rewarding for the facilitators to see.” – Joanne, Sophomore at Harvard University

“I was able to learn the many difficulties of facilitating; I learned the importance of being able to connect with complete strangers at a more rapid pace as well as the value of being able to “let go” of the situation and let the pieces fall where they may.” – Unsoi, graduate of Cornell University

14 Comments to “Testimonials”

Jin Chow
February 28, 2011 at 9:46 am

I think that this program is very worthwhile. First of all, it helps us learn things that otherwise, we would never have the opportunity to learn at school. For example, the simulations are all based on microfinance, and we learn a lot of knowledge based on this topic plus a lot of ‘people skills’ such as negotiating, communicating and having an actual dialogue. Also, the Inner Leader Profile also helps students to get to know themselves better, which sometimes, I think is even more important than knowledge itself. It is only through self knowledge can we make the best decisions for our school/academic life and our future. Therefore, this program is really worth trying out!
– Jin Chow, Grade 10, ISF

Reply
Carol Chan
February 28, 2011 at 12:26 pm

During these two days, I had a rewarding learning experience. Through important social issues like micro-finance, I understood more about the structure of these no-profit and profit organizations. There were also in-depth and meaningful simulations, in which I learned more about putting myself into others’ roles (loan officer, borrower, Chief Operating Officer) to negotiate for better deals.
We also had a debriefing session after every module, personally I found it really useful to build up my knowledge. Furthermore, not only I learned more about myself through the enneagram test and multi-intelligence quizzes, but I was also able to meet new friends.
I think that this is a very worthwhile experience that we would never receive from school.
– Carol Chan, Year 10, CIS

Reply
Choi Tsz Hei, Kelvin
March 1, 2011 at 11:52 am

These two days were very fulfilling and the learning experience was simply AMAZING. Not only did I learn about various social issues like micro-finance, I also got to experience it. The experience was very worthwhile. I learnt how to think and consider stuff in different perspectives. Besides micro finance, we also had some “inner leadership” training modules. In these modules, I understood more about myself through quizzes and discussions. Last but not least, I also made new friends!
– Kelvin Choi, Year 10, HKCCCU Logos Academy

Reply
Sharon Lam
March 2, 2011 at 3:34 am

This pilot simulation was a great learning experience for me. Through role play as different stakeholders in micro-finance, I was able to visualize not only how micro-finance loans work, but more importantly, how leaders reconcile the interests of different parties. In other words, you could say I learned about the negotiation skills that world leaders really need at the forefront of a crisis! That aside, I also enjoyed becoming better acquainted with my inner leader through the enneagram and multiple intelligence tests that will help me make more informed decisions in my next steps in college. The mentors are great and channel real passion–contributing to an worthwhile and rewarding experience I’d recommend to others.
-Sharon Lam, Grade 12, HKIS

Reply
Victoria Chen
March 2, 2011 at 7:16 am

What I loved about this pilot simulation is the combination of learning and self development. Through the different simulations, I was able to further understand the current situation of microfinance in India from the issues that arose to how leaders make certain decisions to try and find solutions to those problem. In addition to that, the ability to connect the experiences from the simulation to developing important skills in real life was very exciting. I was able to learn about the various ways of decision making, about the negotiation skills the leaders need when confronting a crisis.

For me, what I really enjoyed about this pilot simulation was the inner leader portfolio. From these various tests, such as the eenneagram and multiple intelligence tests, I was able to become more aware of the person I truly am and to realize that everybody is unique in their own ways and it is important to embrace those differences within all of us. This opportunity to better understand yourself will help me make wiser decisions as I head off to college in the following year.

After such a rewarding experience with this simulation, I highly recommend this program for others. The mentors are truly passionate and dedicated to spreading the knowledge of important issues and the development of important skills. It was a truly rewarding and memorable experience, one in which I wish I had been able to experience earlier on in my life.
– Victoria Chen, Grade 12, HKIS

Reply
Jason Yao
March 2, 2011 at 4:21 pm

In the past two days, I’ve learned more than I would have in a week of Humanities classes. We weren’t just taught the materials for the course as if it were a normal class, but instead got to see it from different perspectives that we may not have realized were there before, got to see and feel how people would react if in anothers shoes.

From a poor woman trying to start up her own business, to the owner of the micro-finance branch, to even just learning the leadership abilities required in today’s world, the experience of the past two days was simply just astounding.

Before the simulation, I came in expecting a series of simulations that were interesting and thought-provoking, but not much else. I came out of that simulation wondering how could I apply what I’d learned to my day-to-day life, how to see situations from different perspectives, how to settle a disagreement with dialogue instead of edicts, and how I could use what I’d learned for the betterment of others.
– Jason Yao, G10, HKIS

Reply
Jared Sanders
March 4, 2011 at 2:44 pm

I think the simulation was a great developmental experience for teenagers. It had a great combination of social skills, like learning about your personality type, and business skills, like how to negotiate. It was also a great learning experience with the micro finance in India. It was interesting to learn about how leaders of corporations make decisions in order to try to make everyone happy.

I think the best part of the simulation was the interactivity of it, the information wasn’t all spoon fed to you, you had to try and figure it out. It was interesting to hear everyones ideas at least in the group of people I was will there was a diversity in the ideas. You also get to step into the shoes of other people and make decisions, then step into another persons shoes and be affected by the first person.

I would definitely recommend this to other people because of the learning it provides. There was a great deal of knowledge gained, especially in the way it was taught. It was a very memorable experience and would be great for anyone who wants to learn.

– Jared Sanders, Grade 9, HKIS

Reply
Jodie
March 6, 2011 at 8:11 am

I think this pilot programme is very worth trying out. I personally think that this camp is really useful to me to understand the current affairs happening around the world. Moreover, i also get to know more about myself. I learnt a lot about microfinance. The best thing about the programme is that the way of learning is fun and is not boring as all! I learnt about microfinance through the case studies and activities, such as debatings and role play acitivity. It was a great experience and it’s no doubt that this programme will be useful to my future. 🙂

-Jodie Chan, Yr10, Shatin College

Reply
Katrina Shum
March 6, 2011 at 8:12 am

The simulations were not only fun, but also inspiring and had successfully helped me to think about things in different perspectives. I had also learnt different skills and knowledge like negotiation techniques and what micro-finances are. The program had also let me practice my skills on expressing my ideas and train my sense of cooperation to gain the mutual agreement within’ groups. This program covers a lot of different fields and is a very rewarding experience for me.

– Katrina Shum, Grade 9, ISF

Reply
Chris
March 6, 2011 at 8:18 am

The pilot simulation is an opportunity in a million for teenagers who are preparing to enter universities. It gave me an abundance of information and knowledge concerning social issues and taught me how to negotiate, compromise and think of alternatives, which are skills that we all need always, if not every day. The simulation I experienced today is concerning Microfinance. As a science stream student, I come across it not until I have spent half a day at the LEAP STUDIO. Before i participated in this simulation, I had thought that it is merely suitable and useful for international school students. However, I found that it broadens my horizon in the scope of social issues, which also helps improve my Liberal Studies knowledge.

Why hesitate? Just join it!

– Chris Mo, Grade 10, DBS

Reply
Barry Chan
March 6, 2011 at 8:22 am

The pilot program was an inspiring and fulfilling eperience. There were brilliant facilitators which organized mind-boggling activities that educated participants new ways of thinking and making decision. LIke for instance, through role play of an Indian microfinance officer, we learnt the qualities good leaders should possess. But nothing is quite as impressive as the discussion period, in which we negotiated with different parties to reach a deal, and co-operate with friends to apply a loan from a microfinance institution.
I strongly recommend this program to other people because of how much fresh knowledge and experience it is going to provide.

– Barry Chan, Grade 10, DBS

Reply
Jenny Kang
March 6, 2011 at 12:58 pm

I think this programme can be beneficial for all students.

It allows students to look at an issue, for example micro finance in India, from many different perspectives, giving the students an ‘inside’ story from all views which teaches the them to look at the many sides of a story before reaching to a conclusion. It also helps to develop the student’s communication and negotiation skills as they discuss to reach their final conclusion.

Although the time we had was pretty short, the pilot simulation was really a wonderful experience and I strongly recommend this to all students.

– Jenny Kang, Grade 11, SIS

Reply
Jonathan
March 6, 2011 at 11:40 pm

If you are finding ways to enrich yourself during summer, you are visting the right site.

During the course, we get the chance to investigate into the microfinancce system. By playing different roles, we could learn to think from different perspectives. This does not only enhance the leadership skill, but it is also helpful to develop our communication technique. More to that, there are experienced facilitators providing you valuable advice on college application as well.

Don’t hesitate and join it now, i can assure you that it will be an unforgettable experience.

– Jonathan Ng, Grade 11, DBS

Reply
Cameron Zeluck
March 12, 2011 at 3:56 am

I think that this pilot is a great experience that helps students in their learning, not only about microfinance but also about themselves, as the Inner Leader part of the program really gives them an idea on how they can improve upon themselves as people and leaders. Not only that, but the simulations for microfinance are individually unique in many ways, as the program enables us to see microfinance from a variety of perspectives and learn about this crucial part in our society today.
I have been to many summer courses in the past, but the Young Leaders of Tomorrow Summer Program (despite experiencing just a small part of it now through the pilot) has by far given me the most insight about our world, and helped in my learning in many ways.

– Cameron Zeluck, Grade 9, CIS

Reply