Youth Hong Kong | 15.3 Challenges and Opportunities in Youth Services

Youth Hong Kong

September 2023

Volume 15 Number 3

YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

EDITORIAL BOARD

Hsu Siu-man

Lakshmi Jacota

William Chung

Ada Chau

Christa Cheung

Winky Ang

Bryan Tsui

Miranda Ho

Mia Yao

Stella Chen

CIRCULATION (unaudited) 9,000 in Hong Kong, throughout the region and overseas

VIEWS EXPRESSED are the authors’ and interviewees’, may come from official sources, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board or publisher

REPRODUCTION OF CONTENTS without written permission from the publisher is prohibited

OVERVIEW

Stella Chen

SECTIONS & TRANSLATION

Mia Yao, Ada Chau, Stella Chen and CPS team

PHOTOGRAPHS stock images or in public domain

TRADEMARKS All brand names and product names are registered trademarks. Youth Hong Kong is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in articles.

ARTWORK & DESIGN

Bryan Tsui, Lababproduction

COVER DESIGN

Bryan Tsui

PRINTING

Living Stone Printing Co. Ltd.

ISSN 2071-3193 (Print)

ISSN 2519-1098 (Online)

WEB youthhongkong.hkfyg.org.hk

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The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups was founded in 1960 and is the city’s largest youth service organization. More than 25,000 activities are organized by over 80 units annually with attendance of nearly 6 million. Services Camps, Leisure, Cultural and Sports Services, Counselling, Creativity education and STEM, Education and continuous learning, Employment and entrepreneurship, Exchange, Leadership training, M21 Multimedia, Parenting, Research and Publications, Volunteering, Youth at Risk, Youth SPOTs WEB hkfyg.org.hk m21.hk Online donations giving.hkfyg.org.hk

Opportunities, Not Challenges

The Hong Kong Jockey Club's Vision for Youth Services Partnership

In today’s complex world, organisations are recognising the importance of partnerships to maximise their impact and create meaningful change. The Hong Kong Jockey Club, a long-time supporter of local youth services, is seizing opportunities to make a difference by collaborating with various stakeholders. It accomplishes this through donations to its community partners made via The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

In an interview with Youth Hong Kong, Winnie Ying, Head of Charities (Youth Development and Poverty Alleviation) at the Club, discusses the critical role of partnerships in youth services, and shares her insights on how to maximise the impact of social initiatives.

Nurturing our city’s youngsters is a cornerstone of the Club’s Charities strategy, which prioritises five areas of community need. Youth development and poverty alleviation is one of these priorities, alongside positive ageing and elderly care, healthy community, talent and sector development, as well as sports and culture. Its youth development effort focuses on empowering young people and increasing their social mobility, through meaningful engagement, levelling up and intergenerational poverty alleviation.

Young people play an integral role in society’s sustained development, yet the predicaments they face cannot be resolved by simply troubleshooting solutions. The rapidly changing world is a source of anxiety and uncertainty for adults and youth alike, given disruptive developments such as the automation of jobs. Forward-looking perspectives are therefore needed to maximise new opportunities.

Young people are quick learners, creatively driven and passionate about social good. The success of a society lies in effectively harnessing their strengths to thrive in the digital era.

A developmental approach should be taken, built on the belief that the youth have great potential, ability and power to drive social development. Winnie recalls a recent inspiring pitching event at which young people took the lead in partnering with social workers on solutions for transforming the Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres (ICYSCs) into youth-centric spaces. Youth from 36 ICYSCs showcased remarkable creativity and proposed new ideas, including a platform to foster positive energy in the community, a solution incubation hub for the community, and a round-the-clock ICYSC operating according to youngsters’ schedules.

The Club and The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) have collaborated on a number of projects to provide young people with opportunities to learn and develop, express themselves and contribute to society. These include Youth S.P.O.Ts, Media 21, YouthCreate, 21C, as well as outdoor training camps in Sai Kung and Stanley.

Despite these efforts, however, concerns loom over Hong Kong’s ageing society, which is poised to have a significant impact on youth services. Winnie, anticipating this scenario, sees possibilities to forge “1+1>2” partnerships between young people and the elderly.

Winnie believes in young people, who are energetic and innovative, yet also respect the older generation for their wisdom and invaluable experience. She favours the concept of partnership rather than mentorship, because it offers reciprocal advantages to both youngsters and the elderly.

“I think this is a very good opportunity for us to think about how they can energise each other,” Winnie says. “Resources are limited, but how we maximise the impact created by the philanthropic sector and society’s resources is very important.”

Hong Kong has set an example to the world in terms of collaboration between the government, non-profit sector and corporates, which Winnie describes as “pretty encouraging”.

She adds that young people are the driving force behind the city’s transformation into a digital society thanks to their agility and adaptability. However, we must be mindful not to marginalise disadvantaged groups, such as the elderly and disabled, as technology advances. To address this gap and foster a more caring community, the Trust has developed the concept of youth digital squads. These squads will leverage the strengths of young people and develop innovative solutions to help marginalised groups adapt themselves and benefit from an increasingly digitalised city.

“Through this interaction, I believe everyone will witness the power of youth. There has been a lack of sufficient channels for both sides to appreciate each other. We must admit that youngsters have the power to make a difference in society.”

Through collaborations with local and overseas universities, schools and other stakeholders, the Club’s Charities Trust created and funded the CoolThink@JC programme and supported the CUHK Jockey Club AI for the Future Project have had their content adopted by the Education Bureau in two curriculum modules on Innovation and Technology Education. The projects aim to build digital literacy and bridge developmental gaps of students through universal free education. Looking ahead, the government may also consider mainstreaming the Trust’s "Open Up: Jockey Club Online Youth Emotional Support" initiative, the first 24/7 online text platform for distressed youth, within the next 18 months.

With competing agendas for social services in Hong Kong, the Club’s Charities Trust has adapted and become more strategic in its approach by identifying key issues to focus on.

“We have many programmes in the community. Instead of giving money to hundreds of programmes, the Club’s charities strategy is to identify the real social issues and their root causes. Then we invest seriously in tackling these particular issues through targeted donations,” Winnie adds.

Speaking from the HKFYG Jockey Club Media 21, Hong Kong’s first NGO-led, community-based media hub designed to connect young people and nurture talents in multimedia production, Winnie stresses the importance of devising multifaceted pathways for youngsters with diverse talents.

Winnie believes that society should effectively support young people at critical developmental junctures, long before they face stressful, life-defining moments such as Hong Kong’s Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (“HKDSE”), an important gateway to higher education and future career roadmap. Labelling youngsters who do not make the grade in the HKDSE as "failures" is detrimental, leading to a perception that

alternative educational paths to university studies are lesser options. Winnie advocates for cross-sector collaboration to craft authentic trajectories for youth during three critical transition periods in life: childhood to youth, before and after the public exam, and entering the job market after graduation.

Supporting young people, especially those from deprived backgrounds, through these shifts is crucial to helping them move onwards and upwards, and avoid being limited by circumstances. To help them successfully make transitions between life milestones needs the society's collective support.

The Club and its Trust believe in the power of teamwork to create a caring and inclusive community, and envision a future with abundant opportunities for the younger generation. With a commitment to impactful projects and a developmental approach, it remains positive and committed to acting continuously for the betterment of our society.

In mid-September, the Club’s Charities Trust convened the third Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum, and announced $5 billion funding for the establishment of the Institute of Philanthropy. With the theme "Philanthropy for Fairer Societies", the Forum brought together close to 70 speakers and 1,600 delegates from around the world, students from 100 secondary schools and representatives from 600 organisations, including many youth-focused groups. The Forum examined global case studies to explore ways of achieving fairer outcomes through philanthropy's transformative power. Key themes included education, health justice, ageing societies, welfare models, and technology's role in philanthropy. Expert discussions also delved into the evolving nature of 21st-century philanthropy in Asia and beyond.

“Before the programme I didn't go to the area to just interfere and talk to those street sleepers,” Keith reflects. “I think this type of experience during the programme helped me to open my eyes to look at what is happening in the society.”

Leveraging the strong network provided by the HKFYG through the "Hong Kong 200" project, Keith valued the chance to interact with his peers and understand the society in a more holistic manner.

In addition, Keith says engaging in youth service projects became his secret to staying young. In the world of young people, he remains open to new ideas, using them as opportunities to stay informed about the ever-changing world.

“It is very easy to spend the weekend just staying at home and watching Netflix till the whole weekend is gone,” Keith adds. “I think without all this understanding, I would focus more about myself, instead of having a wider perspective about what's happening in the society. I would lose the sense of the connection with the wider society and myself.”

We know that the generative AI can do a lot of things better than human. I think humans should do an even better job in terms of being a human, meaning that we should have empathy and understand the society,

Keith says. He rejects the notion of using technology solely for economic gain and calls for a broader vision of improving society not only for ourselves but for the entire community.

“If we just use the technology to focus on improving the numbers, then we are like the executor of the aggregate from another machine. It will lack the human touch.”

Joining the leadership training programmes organised by the HKFYG helped him be empathetic and understanding. Compared with self-initiated activities, organisations and the government have a more structured design that includes interviews, discussions, and solutions, providing a valuable avenue for personal growth.

“I think the first thing I recommend is to participate in as many leadership programmes as possible and to experience what's going on, what's happening in society. This is very important and this lesson stays in my heart to make me more human,” Keith adds.

Keith's life could have followed a conventional path five days a week in a bank, the daily grind from 9 am to 6 pm, weekends spent chilling and watching TV if he hadn’t joined any youth service projects back in secondary school. However, there would have been one puzzle missing from his life: the sense of being connected with other like-minded young people, as well as an impulse to care for the community.

Discussing a recent research project on generative AI organised by Youth I.D.E.A.S., Keith delved into research and discussions concerning the latest developments in ChatGPT and its impact on young people.

While generative AI has the potential to bridge information gaps and overcome human limitations, it also presents challenges to young people and future generations as technology advances rapidly. Keith emphasises the need for technology training tailored to individuals with expertise in specific areas, such as art or finance. This approach explores how machines can expedite production and enhance human work. Following this, Keith believes that the next crucial step is to train individuals to be more human.

Over the past 15 years, the HKFYG has played such a role in creating communication platforms, promoting social engagement, and helping young individuals grow in the face of social challenges.

To better empower young people amid upcoming challenges, according to Keith, youth services should be designed in a way that is “relevant” and “future-proof,” inspiring young people with an interactive and immersive learning experience.

“Youth service providers need to stay up-to-date about mega trends, including government policy for youth and for society development, new technology such as generative AI and digitalisation, as well as youth’s needs,” Keith adds.

Youth Speak 16

Empowering Youth

Learning More

#improvise #crisis intervention #inquisitive

Mark Tao

The experience made me realise the importance of the hotline services and reminded me that I need more knowledge and skills to face and handle crisis interventions effectively in the future.

Through the hotline service, I realised the seriousness of mental health problems among Hong Kong youth and their need for emotional support. There are a lot of young people who do not know how to face and deal with their emotions. Sometimes they simply need a listener, but there is no one in their life who is willing to take up such a role.

I want to pay more attention to mental health in my future career as a social worker and learn more intervention techniques and professional skills.

A Clearer Future Path

#easy

Ching-yee, 16, participated in the Career Exploration and Life Planning programme to figure out her future direction. Initially, she was indecisive and uncertain about the type of work she wanted to pursue. However, after several meetings with social workers, she gradually gained a clearer understanding of her aspirations.

Ching-yee

Never Give Up

#never give up #embrace challenges #no regrets

Jacky has participated in various programmes organised by the Youth Crime Prevention Centre, including the WIND - Thaiboxing Programme 2022. After three years of training, he is now a certifiedThaiboxing instructor. He didn’t give up with the support from friends, social workers, instructors, and his family.

Through the experience, I can share with other young people that although this phase of life might present you with various setbacks or obstacles, you're not alone on this journey. Don't give up on your goals and aspirations. When faced with challenges, reach out to your friends or family for help. And most importantly, avoid engaging in illegal activities that could lead to regrets.

Through different activities organised by the Federation, I discovered a new side of myself and embarked on a different path. Without the guidance of social workers, I wouldn't have had the chance to explore Thaiboxing or attain instructor certification. I also formed valuable friendships and found new personal development goals through these experiences.

If I hadn't gone through all this, I might have easily made wrong choices and lacked a clear direction in life. I could have ended up regretting my decisions and feeling unfulfilled. Now, I have my own goals and principles, allowing me to seek new job opportunities, achieve targets, and alter the course of my life.

Pushing Limits

#persistence #transformation

Yip Cheuk-sing, feeling stagnant and restricted in his stable job in the construction industry, decided to join the federation’s SLASH POINT and Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship Project to improve, expand his network and turn his skills into a business.

“I had to step out of my comfort zone. I started by gradually integrating into groups, making responses, and eventually initiating conversations with others, overcoming my fear of communication through practice.

” (Master). Once at a market event, Mr. Andy Ho, the then Executive Director of the HKFYG, was also present. I chuckled to myself when a prominent figure like him referred to me as “Master.”

Expanding my social circle allowed me to meet like-minded individuals who support each other. I realised that managing one's life is like running a business – it requires careful planning, and even if you fall, you need to get back up.

If I hadn't come into contact with the Federation, I might still be leading a routine blue-collar life with a steady income. I also never imagined that I could represent an organisation in meetings with government officials, interact with people from the political and business sectors. Entrepreneurship doesn't always guarantee success, but these experiences have given me the opportunity to continuously challenge myself, push my limits, and live a fulfilling and exciting life.”

#fear

Eye-opening Experience

#challenging #eye-opening #collaborative efforts

Ronald says participating in projects organised by the HKFYG has benefited him “tremendously.” He has broadened his perspectives, cultivated his teamwork and leadership skills, and enriched his cultural knowledge. He took part in the Young Techpreneur Project, where he had the opportunity to collaborate with other young entrepreneurs and grow his skills.

Ronald Ng Ho-cheong

I decided to join this programme because it provided me with generous subsidies and resources, and I understood the importance of networking for personal development. Through these projects, I could expand my professional network, meet like-minded individuals, and leverage their experiences and insights to better shape my career. During the programme, I faced challenges in talent matching – finding like-minded individuals who shared the same goals proved to be a task. Additionally, business expansion required effective engagement with different partners, which was equally challenging.

Through the Young Techpreneur Project, I met diverse young entrepreneurs, mutually learning and growing through collaboration. I became more steadfast in my belief that with sufficient passion and effort, we can achieve remarkable accomplishments regardless of obstacles. This experience inspired me to strive together with fellow young individuals, pursuing greater goals collectively.

I believe that what I gained from starting a company and business expansion will have a profound impact on my life, establishing a solid foundation to achieve long-term success in both my professional and personal life.

Power of Listening

With the simple idea of putting academic knowledge into practice and helping people in need, Joyce participated in the HEAR Project, Google Career Certificates 2023, and the DSE hotline organised by The HKFYG.

Kan Tsz-yee

From her volunteering experience, she’s no longer the hotline volunteer who got nervous every time she picked up the phone. Joyce has learned the art of listening and gained more insights about the meaning of life.

I used to analyse the situation and give people advice when listening to the hotline or chatting with friends. But this experience reminded me that sometimes hotline users or people around you who confide in you may not want advice. More often than not, they just want someone to listen to them, silently accompany them, and let them know that they are not alone.

#meaningful #fruitful #inspirational

Joyce

I have learned a lot about human nature, which makes me reflect more deeply on the meaning of “life”. I think this has had a very big impact on me, both in terms of “self-awareness” and “future career planning”. As I listened to the hotline, I became more and more able to observe calmly and pay attention to my own emotions.

I found myself interested in the relationship between the brain and human thinking or behaviour during a hotline conversation. Therefore, I hope to study or develop in these related fields in the future.

Finding My Pace

Siu-ming has participated in various activities organised by the Youth Crime Prevention Centre, such as drumming practice, Werewolf game sessions, and volunteer work. Through the drumming practice, he developed a growing interest and learned how to set goals in his life.

During practice, there are always hurdles to overcome. Some songs were initially too challenging, and even with consistent practice, I couldn't complete them. Musicians know that playing drums isn't something you can master overnight. The more you rush and impatiently strive for immediate results, the more you might feel defeated. Then I thought to myself, ‘I can't seem to complete this even after practicing all day, maybe I should just take a break.’ The next day, when I tried again, I managed to accomplish it.

Having your own interests and goals can bring great joy. For example, my goal was to achieve grade 6 in jazz drumming and teach others. Setting goals like these can fill your life with motivation. Drumming allows me to focus, release stress, and grow. If there's a period where I'm not able to drum, I find myself missing it. I hope all young people can discover their own interests.

I consider myself an impatient person, but with drumming, you have to be patient. It requires consistent and long-term practice. As long as you don't give up, you'll eventually succeed. Life is the same – finding your own pace is crucial. Currently, I say to myself, ‘Rest when I want to rest, and do what I want to do.’ That's my own time clock.

#enjoyable #challenging #concentrate

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