Turning over a new leaf
THE winner of the Youth Hotline ''New Year Resolution Contest'' proved that physical appearance had a direct impact on inter-personal relationships.
Franky Fan Ka-ki, a Form Four student at the Caritas Adult Education Centre, impressed the judges with his innovative proposal.
The 16-year-old said he wanted to better his interpersonal relationships by improving his physical appearance and neatness.
The judging panel, including educationists and social workers as well as singers Lai Shui-yan and Dicky Cheung Wai-kin, agreed Franky's proposal was the most outstanding and interesting one.
Franky said he had not been a popular person at school because he had bad breath, pimples and dandruff. However, he had made more friends since he started to improve his appearance.
''I'm now drinking more water and brushing my teeth more frequently to keep my breath fresh. I also wash my hair daily. More people approach me than before and I'm glad,'' he said.
Youth Hotline is a radio programme which gives teenagers a chance to express their views. It organised the contest to encourage youngsters devise a goal for the coming year and to strive for it.
About 300 proposals, from Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, were received. Most plans for the new year involved making improvement in academic performance and interpersonal relationships.
''We'll keep in close contact with the winner and will invite him to share his experience with our audience,'' programme producer, Tai Kin-man, said.
Youth Hotline broadcasts live on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
