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This column is a perspective on topical issues related to young people. Today's subject reveals why youth matter and why they deserve to be taken seriously.
The importance of participation
For much of 2011, young people have dominated the news. Most of the time in a negative light: demonstrating against something, angry about something else, demanding responses, and trying to air their grievances to those they claimed did not wish to hear them. Perhaps they are fed up with always being on the outside, but what the recent District Council elections proved was that young people, instead of always being reactive to issues, are now pro-active, turning out not only in record numbers to vote, but also to stand as candidates. That we had this record turnout and that we had more young people elected than in the past are positive and wonderful steps in participation. They illustrate very clearly that young people are not willing to simply "talk the talk", but are prepared to "walk the walk". |
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| Outreach services for youth at risk: latest drug survey |
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HKFYG Project Shine's assessment tools reveal drug abuse damages brains
A survey of 105 youth, 81 of whom were drug abusers, has been completed by HKFYG's Project Shine Youth Drug Counselling Service and the Kwai Chung Hospital Clinical Psychology Service. Revelations from the study, using tailor-made assessment tools, showed that of those who had taken drugs 63% had poor control of impulsiveness, 46% had serious anxiety symptoms and a quarter had serious or very serious symptoms of stress and depression. 23% had borderline cognitive impairment which made them forgetful, unable to |
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concentrate or retain new skills. Boredom, peer influence and depression are the main reasons for drug abuse and 60% of young drug abusers have potential psychological problems including insomnia, aimlessness and suicidal tendencies. The youngest survey respondent was 13.
Call HKFYG outreach teams, tel 2487 6151, for tests using Integrated Assessment Tools for Youth Substance Abuse.* Call 2465 2828 Youth Wellness Centre for treatment.
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| Coming soon |
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HKFYG invited as Programme Partner for Youth Band Marathon 2011 at Cultural Centre Piazza on 11 December
HKFYG has been invited by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department as a Programme Partner for this marathon from 2pm-7pm on 11 December. There will be performances at Piazza C for experienced performers while Piazza A will be the venue for new bands and dance teams. The Hong Kong Youth Band 2011 Pendular, and teams from HKFYG's Lohas and Tsuen Wan Youth SPOTs will be among the performers. At Piazza B there will also be Art Jamming and Graffiti, organized by the HKFYG Lohas Youth SPOT and youth members. |
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Contact Michelle tel 2395 5753 for more details.
Webcast sessions with Vice Chancellors and Presidents continues
The next HKFYG live webcast with Hong Kong's university Presidents and Vice Chancellors will be on Thursday 1 December, from 7-7.30pm at the City University of Hong Kong. Professor Way Kuo, President and University Distinguished Professor, will be on hand to answer students' questions about the implications of the new curriculum for first degree places. He will also talk about City U's courses, research and academic staff. Contact u21, tel 2831 9183 for more details.
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| Thank you to all our partners |
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HSBC Volunteer Teen English Program builds cultural and linguistic bridge in Tin Shui Wai school
Native English-speaking teenagers are interacting with secondary students at HKFYG's Lee Shau Kee College in Tin Shui Wai, thanks to a new initiative from the HSBC Volunteer English Teaching Program. These young volunteers are from HSBC expat families. Spouses from such families already take part in a successful teaching programme that is now in its second year at HKFYG's Lee Shau Kee Primary School. |
Call Iris Sham, 3755 7107 for more information.
Dance for All Project sponsored by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council
The HKFYG dance troupe, Hong Kong Youth Dance are reaching out to the community on 4 December at Shatin Town Hall plaza where they will continue their Dance For All Project sponsored by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. The project brings the joys of dancing to the physically and mentally challenged and those who may otherwise be deprived because of disabilities. Contact Michelle, tel 2395 5753, for more details.
Charity Auction courtesy of Lisa's Collection, Conrad Hong Kong 3-4 December
HKFYG is organizing a Charity Auction courtesy of Lisa's Collection at the Conrad Hong Kong with a preview on Saturday 3 December, 10am-8pm. The auction starts at 10am on Sunday 4 December. Visit charityauction.hkfyg.org.hk for an online preview. Call Bonnie or Brenda, tel 3755 7101 / 3755 7102, for more information. |
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| Publications |
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Worldwide rights for English translation of LEAD book for creative education
One of the books from HKFYG's LEAD [Learning Through Engineering Art & Design] on using Scratch software for design computer games is to have a worldwide market. An English translation of Easy LEAD - The Scratch Musketeers (遊俠傳) will be published soon in the US for distribution to the English-speaking market. This marks a big leap forward in LEAD's endeavour to promote creative learning for young people.
Contact Edmond Hui tel 3106 0600 for details. |
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