Tuning in to youth needs

For Mindy Dhanjal, life is all about pursuing dreams. Brought up in Britain, Dhanjal had a dream as a youngster - to appear on television. Now, she is the host of ATV's Tube Time , the only locally produced TV show aimed at English-speaking children in Hong Kong.

Dhanjal, 25, who is of Indian origin, said such programmes helped promote a positive attitude to life among youngsters who were battling to stay ahead in Hong Kong's competitive atmosphere.

But Tube Time will be taken off the air later this month for financial reasons. With the last episode scheduled for Friday, Dhanjal said both she and her audience felt 'let down'.

'It's (the show) entertaining, as well as educational. Many parents don't like to watch TV programmes with their children. But we aim to entertain both adults and children alike.' She also co-hosts Youth Spotlight , a fortnightly feature on RTHK's Lunchbeat with Andy Curtis .

Dhanjal, who has been hosting Tube Time for about 18 months, said she would really miss the children. 'They can write in to express their feelings and opinions. It is important for them to have their say.

'In an adult-oriented society like Hong Kong, people concentrate on making money and pay less attention to youngsters. Tube Time is a channel to showcase their talents. Praise and en couragement are important to them.

'If we can solely focus on children and find out what they need, what their interests are and help them relate to society's everyday values, I am sure they would love to watch such a programme.