Life planning programme for Hong Kong youngsters expanded to 100 more schools
Extension of Clap for Youth initiative will benefit 200,000 young people
A HK$500 million life planning programme to help young people develop into "useful citizens" will be expanded to another 100 affiliated schools when it commences this academic year.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club's new programme - dubbed Clap for Youth - will begin in September and will involve helping 50 schools with matters such as teacher training, career counselling, curriculum design and community education for parents and businesses.
The five-year youth career and "life adventure" programme will also help youngsters aged 15 to 21 discover and explore interests and abilities and make better plans for their life and careers.
About 200,000 young people are expected to benefit including upper secondary school students as well as those out of school. Five district services teams run by non-profit organisations will provide individual career and life-planning services.
Yesterday, club chairman Dr Simon Ip Sik-on said an additional 100 affiliated schools have been added to the scheme to benefit more young people, particularly those that are dropouts, non-engaged or "hidden" from society.
"The aim is to help Hong Kong's youth navigate the path to adulthood … and that, regardless of educational background and family circumstances, there is a role for them in society," he said.