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TEN young ambassadors will leave for Germany this month to experience the social, political and economic changes in the country after unification.

    The ''Study Tour to Germany 1993'' is organised by the Hongkong Federation of Youth Groups.

    Aimed at encouraging cultural exchange and fostering closer ties between Hongkong and Germany, the study programme, with the theme of ''Germany after its unification'' this year, attracted over a hundred applicants.

    After two rounds of selection, 10 outstanding young people were chosen as ambassadors.

    Speaking at a recent press conference for the study tour, Ms Rosanna Wong Yick-ming, Executive Director of the Federation, said the tour also gave youths a chance to develop analytical skills.

    ''Besides, it is a good chance for young people to gain insight on how to adapt to a changing society,'' she said.

    Also addressing at the press conference was Mr Berndt Loewe, General Manager, Passenger Sales Country Representative (Hongkong and Macau), Lufthansa German Airlines, one of the sponsors of the programme.

    Mr Loewe said it was important for young people to broaden their minds.

    ''Don't just look at the beautiful scenery while travelling in Germany,'' he told the ambassadors. ''You should communicate with the Germans, ask them questions and learn about their culture.''     The study tour, from July 15 to August 7, will centre around northern Germany, including Hamburg and Berlin.

    The ambassadors will visit social service, education and broadcast institutes and landmarks such as Check Point Charlie and Brandenburger Tor.

    They will stay with host families to get a better understanding of the German way of life.

    Edith To Wai-man, one of the ambassadors, wants to learn about the German culture and how the Germans have been adjusting to the unification.

    ''I saw on television that the Germans welcomed the unification. I want to ask them myself how they feel about the whole thing,'' the sixth-former at Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School said.

    Wai-man plans to tell her parents and friends about the situation in Germany so they can prepare themselves for the 1997 takeover.

    To prepare the ambassadors for the trip, the Federation organised a series of activities.

    The youths collected information on Hongkong and Germany, and they learned some simple spoken German and some cooking skills as well.

    Wai-man said the training was helpful. ''We've got a general picture of Germany, Hongkong and China, so we can ask the Germans sensible questions and we can also answer their questions.''     A seminar will be held after the tour for the youths to share their feelings and experiences with others.



Off for a taste of German life