Volunteer: Alex Lau Cheuk-fung, 23, has been a volunteer at Choi Wan Rhenish Integrated Children and Youth Services Centre for six years. The centre provides activities for children and youth, counselling for individuals and families, as well as support services to schools and the community.

'I became a volunteer after I finished my HKCEE. I started by assisting a programme that promoted civic education through information technology.

'I became a children's ambassador for the centre in 2002. I organised functions and roadshows, as well as outings and activities for primary school children. These events were aimed at promoting children's rights and helping them to get a better understanding of their community.

'During the Sars outbreak, I helped elderly people at public housing estates in Choi Wan to clean their homes. My volunteer experiences have broadened my horizons. I've met many people - from children and their parents, to the elderly - and have come to know how different people think.

'I also learned to look at the whole picture when preparing for an event. An activity involves many parts, and if you just focus on doing your own task and neglect its relationship with other aspects, things can easily fall apart.

'I like children, as they are innocent, fun and carefree. I find myself more relaxed and happy when I hang out with them. But they can easily be led astray during Primary Six and Form Two. Times have changed, and nowadays children are quite mature. They might hang out on the street with friends or go to karaoke. I hope to talk to them more so I will be able to understand them better.

'It's interesting to watch my young friends grow up. Some of them are now secondary students and seek my advice on the HKCEE.'