On 3 November 2006, six well-known writers from Hong Kong Baptist University's International Writers Workshop visited UIC and met with many of our students.
The six writers came from Nigeria, Bahamas, Ireland, USA, New Zealand and Taiwan. They are men and women who write about nature or whose writings are imbued with natural symbolism. They had just finished the 2006 International Writers Workshop held at Hong Kong Baptist University.
Before interacting with the students, the writers were invited to a presentation. Prof. Paul Hockings gave a brief introduction to UIC. He described how UIC has grown and its future development. UIC's educational approach was emphasized, especially regarding Whole Person Education and Four Points Education. Some videos which record students' college life were played, thus giving the visitors a better understanding of UIC and its students.
After the presentation, the six visitors were divided into two groups who went to two English Language classrooms to talk with students. At the seminar, the writers read their own works. Then students raised many perceptive questions about the writers' experience of life and their writing. The writers answered these questions with an often humorous tone. When the seminar finished, they took photos with the students. Everybody seemed to have a very good time.
Background of Hong Kong Baptist University's International Writers Workshop:
The Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) launched the International Writers Workshop in 2004. The Workshop regularly invites writers from around the world. They stay on campus and interact with students and staff, with Hong Kong writers as well as the general public, both local and from the Mainland. There is a theme in inviting writers each year. The theme of 2004 was “Writers from Post-colonial English-speaking Countries”: eight writers from post-colonial countries and one writer from the Mainland were invited. The theme of 2005 was “Understanding the Islamic World and Its Writers”: seven writers from Islamic countries and two Chinese writers were invited. The theme of 2006 is “One with Mother-Nature”. Nine writers who write about nature or whose writings are imbued with natural elements were invited. In November 2005，five writers from International Writers Workshop visited UIC and successfully held a seminar.
